#just jimin being a troubled dragon

[longtimenospooning-luci]

Hoseok:

Updated 02/03/24

A Silent Heart Still Beats - @akinnie75 **Favorite**

Hoseok bullied you for a year because you’re mute. But karma always has a way of getting back at people. Ten years after high school graduation, you meet Hoseok in an unexpected place, and he’s become a completely different person.

Drive Me Crazy - @borathae

By its Cover - @crystaljins

Your annoying little brother Jimin accepts a dare and summons a demon into your living room. There are multiple problems with this. 1) Demons are the most hated species on earth. 2) That demon happens to be Jung Hoseok, the most popular guy on campus. 3) The fact that Jung Hoseok is a demon is his biggest secret and 4) Jung Hoseok hates your guts. You’re in for a wild ride. 

Golden Heart - @daydream-hobii

Y/N’s best friends all have hybrids, and she loves them with all her heart, but she doesn’t want to be the same as everyone. She loves hybrids, and knows her friends are kind to them, but hybrids are part human, thus they should have their own choices. Many people, unfortunately, abuse their hybrids and use them, so she tries to fight for their freedom of choice. Her closest friend, Namjoon, convinces her to rescue a hybrid so that it can be safe from harm, and her perspectives changes entirely.

Occultation - @jamaisjoons

"the story of how the sun fell in love with the moon." Greek gods au.

The Dragon's Princess - ^^

with your mother’s death, and your father remarrying, came your abandonment in a tower - under the pretense that you’d be saved by a prince when you were older. now, it’s been over a decade and the princes come in droves to save you from the dragon that guards you. but you don’t want a charming prince. no. you prefer sweet ferocious dragons. one sweet, ferocious dragon in particular. fantasy au. royalty au. fairytale au. childhood friends to lovers au.

I Can't Betray You - @jiminiesfavouritecolourisblue

Hoseok mafia au drabble series.

Base Line - @jiminrings

Hoseok swears that you're intolerable, but maybe that's because you don't greet him good morning like you usually do.

A Memory Without You - @jimlingss

Jung Hoseok is your saviour. Sure, he might just be a government worker tasked to investigate your life and ask a bunch of intrusive questions with his little clipboard, but he's also the key to solving your troubles. You just hope he remembers you when it's all over.

Beyond Reach - @jimlingss

If someone could see what you could, they'd pass out. But you don't blame them. Who would ever expect a ghost, a priestess, and a grim reaper to be together - much less be rescuing others.

Head Over Heels to Hell - @jimlingss

Some people are destined to never have a soulmate. You are one of the few. Instead, you have something much different - a parasite set out to destroy and ruin your life no matter where you run to.

Protected - @jungk0oksthighs

He was your bodyguard, and he never left your side.

Split - @justcallmenikki7

Hoseok has two sides to him, to which sometimes it scares you, but you love him nonetheless.

Good Girl - ^^

Split drabble, featuring Yandere alter ego Hobi.

Outro: Love is Not Over - @kiirokero

Years after a relationship goes south. You are the single mother of a beautiful 6-year-old golden retriever hybrid who you named Yunho. He is the light of your life. Yunho is everything to you, and you’d do anything for him. But you’re a human. Yunho doesn’t care, he will tell you he doesn’t. “You’re still my Eomma. No matter what.” He says. But you can’t help but feel like you will never be enough for him. You can’t be the mother he deserves. You can’t show him the ropes of being a hybrid, and you can’t teach him things the other moms can. But you try. You try your damn hardest. So, when a handsome German Shepard hybrid comes into your life, helping you and guiding Yunho in a way you can’t, you can’t help the cozy home he sets up in your heart.

Madeliene - @kpopfanfictrash

It was supposed to be a one-night thing. Just one, perfect night to remember forever. Life, it seems, has other plans. (Part of the Bound Series)

Love Quarrels - @mirahuyooo

Couples fight. It’s unavoidable and normal even—but will you and your husband get over it?

Smile - @monochromaticinsignias

Read if you want to cry.

Charred - @neonlights92

Jung Hoseok never thought he would find love. So when his wife - the woman he has somehow fallen madly in love with - leaves him for somebody else he is heartbroken. Of course, Bangtan waits for no-one. Soon Hoseok is roped into yet another marriage, and this time he’s determined to keep himself safe. When the man you thought you would spend the rest of your life with runs away with Jung Hoseok’s wife, you find yourself suddenly tied to a man you think is a monster. But beneath the darkness in Hoseok’s eyes is a warmth you can’t help but yearn for. Perhaps love truly does work in mysterious ways.

Who's Your Daddy - @ppersonna

in order to get over your hopeless crush, you sign up for DADDI, a daddy-dom dating site. you can’t tell your friends, especially your best friend hoseok. but as weeks go on, you’re desperate to meet the man behind the screen.

Ten Years - @readyplayerhobi

Your best friend comes to you once again when he’s rejected unknowingly by the woman he loves.

Forever or Never - ^^ Ten Years Sequel

What do you do when your best friend of 23 years tells you that they’ve been in love with you for the last decade? Hoseok sure as hell doesn’t know. But he’s trying, he’s trying really hard for you. But will you get the fairytale ending you dream of? Or will you have to settle for cold hard reality?

Crashing into You - @taleasnewastime

It all started because you got hit off your bike, not generally the start of a good story, and yet it’s where yours starts. Though you’re still not entirely sure if yours is a good story; it hasn’t been good till this point. Hoseok, the man that crashed into you seemed nice enough the few times you’ve met him and over text, but now, you’re not so sure. All the signs seem to be pointing at the fact that maybe he isn’t the smart businessman you thought he was.

You're on the Verge of a Breakup - @thebangtancloud

Exactly what the title says, read if you like angst!

Lack of Apathy - @threeletterslife

Love's enemy is not indeed hatred as many may think. It's actually indifference, apathy, in simpler terms just not giving a goddamn fuck. In fact, love's very own kin is hatred. You need to care enough to both love and hate - an important factor to duly note.

Live, Laugh, Love - @untaemedqueen

Forever best friends, since you were little. Sharing ice creams and laughs. Your forever best friend, forever roommate. The man to keep you warm ad sheltered from all the bad in life. He was your best friend. But, that’s all he is, right?

Guarded - @xjoonchildx

you’ve tried to separate yourself from your infamous crime family, but a new case has your carefully-constructed world crashing down around you. now you have to figure out how to heal old wounds and handle the new man who enters your orbit.

Close Call - ^^ Guarded series drabble

hoseok comes home in the middle of the night and it doesn’t take long for you to realize something is wrong. very, very wrong.

Kanalia - ^^

secrets and uncertainty plague a young queen in her arranged marriage to a kind but distant king. the farther she drifts from her husband, the closer she gets to one of his most trusted men.

Daydream - @yoongi-sugaglider

He was happy. And so…I had to be happy for him. Because that’s what best friends do right? Even if hearing his voice on the radio hurt. Even if seeing his smiling face on billboards tore my heart to pieces like tiny bits of confetti. Even if…I have to leave…leave it all behind. Move away from the terror and the pain and the constant reminder of the friend who left me behind.

#jung hoseok #hoseok x reader #hoseok imagine #hoseok angst #hoseok x y/n #hoseok smut #hoseok fluff

[itsmyzihere]

I've been searching for the fic you're looking for but I'm having trouble finding it. I found a completely different fic with the 'Phoenix Yoongi'

Can you remember anything else from this fic? The relationships between the members? If any of them were romantically involved?

hi thanks for replying, it was an ot7 relationship (poly), all of the boys were different magical beings I can't remember what each of them were, I think hoesok (maybe?) Was a succubus. And Jin was vamp, idr Tae and Joon.

I think they were all a coven or something, Idr how jk was brought into it although I don't think they were like fated mates or anything.

When the boys meet jk they think he's a human, and he doesn't let tell them he's actually a mermaid (but it's revealed hes not just a mermaid but also has some aspects of the dragon genes)

But that's all I can remember there was still so many things that were supposed to be revealed like jimins backstory and the hyungs finding out about jk's history with him fam. But I lost the fic before I could read/find out maybe this helps.

#find a fic #bangtan boys #bts fic #bts fic finder #bts fanfic

[kpopfanfictrash]

Ember Burning (M)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Creative Contributor: @baebae-goodnight​ for this MOODBOARD WOO!

Pairing: Jungkook / Reader

Rating: 18+

Genre: Fantasy / Dragon / Enemies to Lovers

Synopsis:  The dragon riders of Duret Ghal are known across the continent; fierce warriors who take to the skies on their leashed, winged beasts. You are the last Dragon Queen of Ashya, ruler of a dying species who can transform from human to Dragon at will. When a new foe emerges which threatens both Dragon and rider alike, you find yourself forced to broker peace with your former enemy. The King of Duret Ghal, and a dragon rider himself: Jeon Jungkook.

NSFW Warnings: oral (male and female), nipple play, fingering, multiple orgasms, big cock, dirty talk, hair pulling (her to him).... tattooed, man-bun jungkook who has a big sword

Trigger Warnings: somewhat graphic depiction of a shoulder injury  

Word Count: 36,079

Soaring through azure-colored sky, golden wheat fields spread out below, you could almost convince yourself duty did not exist. It was easy to pretend while disconnected from the ground – flight broke the strings which bound you to all mortal beings. You ceased to be of flesh and bone and instead became one with the air, the wind, and the wildness of flame in your throat.

The Thadal mountain range loomed ahead, its jagged peaks piercing the sky. Idly, you wondered if they truly did. Legends said Natal, who had created the world and everything in it, formed the Thadal range last of all. Exhausted by the sheer effort of creation, her hand had slipped, causing the tallest of peaks to rise higher than planned. This ripped a hole in the veil which guarded this world from the next and before Natal could fix it, magic slipped through.

It had been the dragons who slumbered in the mountains’ highest peaks who received this blessing.

Dipping a wing, you wheeled about in the air. With the sun at your back, you surveyed the splendor of your realm laid beneath you.

Ashya, land of the Dragons – of which you were Queen.

Stifling the sigh which rose at the thought, you turned from the furthest rim of the world and began the flight home. A return to duty, to obligation and to your human form, as well as the conflict which loomed on the horizon. Not to mention the sleeping King within your castle walls.

Each of these weighed upon your shoulders, replacing the freedom you’d felt in the air. As you shifted to human, donned a gown, and entered the castle, the sun had barely risen above the lip of the world.

And your true day was only beginning.

From the thunderous expression on Park Jimin’s face, it was clear you needed to do something, and quickly.

Your choices were either to interject and stop a second war from breaking out at your table or sit back and watch while King Jungkook was pummeled into the ground by the esteemed commander of your armed forces.

Admittedly, the second option was tempting. You would so dearly love to watch the crown knocked from King Jungkook’s perfect tresses, but pettiness was unbecoming when far greater evil lurked on the horizon.

With a wave of your hand, you signaled Jimin to sit back.

The remark which had so enflamed your commander came from one of Jungkook’s advisors, a Lord Kim Seokjin you’d only met once prior. He had insinuated, in so many words, the power of your kind was nothing more than a parlor trick. Something to be taken out at parties, but incapable of truly defending your realm.

Jimin’s steely gaze remained fixed on the Lord, a thin line of steam rising from the seat where he sat. It was never wise to anger a Dragon, especially not a renowned fighter like Jimin. There was a reason he’d been named the youngest commander in over a century, and it was only partly because your people had dwindled in size since the last Dragon War.

The Dragon Wars were the reason it was truly remarkable for you to sit in the same room as King Jeon Jungkook at all. Only a hundred years had passed – barely a blink, in the grand scheme of things – since your nations had been labeled bitter enemies.

Duret Ghal, Jeon Jungkook’s nation, was home to the fierce dragon riders. Warriors who tamed the dull, vicious beasts of the mountains and rode them into battle. Their riders were human, although they fancied themselves important because they dared to treat dragons – albeit a less intelligent kind than your own – as glorified steeds.

You, on the other hand, were a Dragon.

Not one like what King Jungkook rode into battle. Duret Ghal bonded with dragons, mere animals ungifted by magic and unable to transform into humans. You were a Dragon, descended from the first magical beings blessed by the veil. Those who had shifted to the flesh of their enemy to defeat humans on their own terms.

At will, you could shift from human to Dragon with barely a thought. Beneath your smooth, human exterior lurked the scales of a dragon, and Lord Seokjin would do well to remember this while he sat at your table.

Tilting your head, you looked his way. “Would you care to repeat yourself, Lord Seokjin? The way you phrased your objection just now made it sound as though you were doubting my people.”

Although Lord Seokjin hesitated, he met your gaze. This surprised you. Few humans had the courage to look a grown Dragon in the eyes. You were well-aware of the rumors which plagued your people.

Some insisted Dragons held power beyond that of humans. This was untrue, of course. Aside from their shifting, Dragons could not use magic. It was only the offspring of a Dragon and human who could wield magic, often called gifts.

Then there was the rumor Dragons retained scales in places best left unmentioned when they transformed into humans – also untrue. Once you became human, you were nearly indistinguishable from your more stagnant counterparts. The main differences were your skin, which ran hotter, the occasional steam from your lips and hidden embers which flickered in the depths of your gaze.

Your unusual eyes were likely the source of the third rumor. Looking a grown Dragon in the eyes would result in paralysis, or worse. This was also untrue, although you liked to encourage it all the same.

It made meeting human dignitaries much more amusing.

“I am not saying Dragons are not fierce,” Seokjin said, backtracking a little. “Merely observing your numbers have diminished since the last Dragon War. Without Duret Ghal’s riders, you would be at a disadvantage against the Mor Empire.”

To this, you had no response because Lord Seokjin was right. He had easily identified your current problem – Mor continued to press upon your southern border, and there were not enough Dragons left in Ashya to defend it much longer.

To your right, Jimin scowled, knowing the truth to this as well.

It was the main reason you’d decided to meet with King Jungkook at all. The reason you considered entering an alliance with a country who’d once been considered your enemy. The Empire of Mor, a nation of humans, had recently decided to rid themselves of all dragons.

This declaration placed both your nation, Ashya, and Jungkook’s at risk.

Ashya, since you were Dragons and Duret Ghal because they rode them. The Mor Empire was led by Emperor Cyan, whose quest for dominance had consumed him since he was a child. His Empire had already gobbled up the quiet Kingdom of Mica to the west and Kindare, to the south. Now he’d set his eyes on the northern wilds.

His largest obstacle to this was the dragons. Few human soldiers could keep from shitting their pants when a great, winged beast breathing fire rose above their ranks. Ironically enough, the sole reason the Mor Empire stood a chance was because the number of Dragons had greatly diminished over the centuries.

There were two main reasons for this.

The first were the Dragon Wars – centuries of bloody conflict between Ashya and Duret Ghal. During this period, dragon riders had fought Dragons for control of the northern border. The wars had caused untold damage on both sides until a truce had been called to save you from destruction.

The second reason for your diminishing numbers were the humans themselves. In order for a true Dragon to be born, two Dragons needed to mate and continue to bloodline. When a Dragon mated with a human, the resulting child was human. Occasionally, this child was blessed with a magical gift, but not always – and they could not shift into Dragon form. Over the years, your kind had mingled with humans until there were few Dragons left.

Hence the need to align yourself with your greatest foe to protect both your people and his. You needed numbers, which Jungkook had. Emperor Cyan had declared war against all northern realms. Only the might of riders and Dragons together stood a chance against him.

It was a mission of fools though, made even more evident by the blatant ill-will around the table. Releasing a sigh, you glanced to where your most trusted advisor, Min Yoongi, was seated on your right.

Min Yoongi was not a Dragon, but a human born with a gift. He could read the emotions of those in the room and determine whether they told the truth. It was magic he’d inherited from his Dragon mother and had come in handy many times during the negotiations.

Subtle, Yoongi nodded.

You managed to stop a second sigh from escaping. It seemed Lord Seokjin was telling the truth. He truly did respect the Dragons, which made his second statement all the more troubling. It would have been easier had he hated you.

“We may be at a disadvantage without Duret Ghal,” you admitted. “But you are equally disadvantaged without Ashya. If our realm were to fall, Mor would come for you next.”

“We could have this same argument for hours, Your Majesty,” Jungkook drawled, speaking up for the first time. “And we have. I grow tired of this stalemate. What are the terms you require to sign the treaty?”

Jaw tight, your gaze shifted to the King seated opposite. Jungkook stared back at you, his gaze dark and lidded in the flickering light of the fire.

Jeon Jungkook was a young ruler, like yourself, but while your transition of power had been relatively peaceful, his had been anything but.

The former King and Queen of Duret Ghal had been slain by his Uncle, Lord Vonner, when Jungkook was only eighteen. Duret Ghal had been close to signing a treaty with Ashya at the time. In said treaty, your hand in marriage had been promised to Jungkook in exchange for unified lands.

Obviously, opposition had existed on both sides of the treaty, but things had not turned violent until Lord Vonner. He’d risen against his sister and brother-in-law, killing them both in their sleep and claiming the throne. At the same time, he had sent assassins to your land and attempted to kill your parents.

He’d only succeeded in killing your mother.

The blood of Lord Vonner’s actions had ended your betrothal, throwing your lands into chaos while your father roared his revenge. It was only once Jungkook had usurped and executed his Uncle that your land had tentatively agreed not to retaliate in force.

This had taken place nearly ten years ago, and still Jungkook was not yet thirty years of age. His youthfulness was apparent everywhere but his eyes. These had been hardened, darkened by all he had seen and done.

Looking at him now, it was difficult to place the boy you had once known.

“Use of your ports,” you answered. “Free travel for Ashyan merchants along the roads to said ports, and then usage without the current fees.”

Lord Seokjin chuckled. “You must be mad.”

A low growl left Jimin’s throat – a warning. “How ironic to hear you speak of sanity, Lord Seokjin,” he said. “When you dare to insult the Queen of Ashya within her castle walls.”

Holding up at hand, you bade Jimin to cease.

Jimin was even younger than you were, and twice as hot-headed. Admittedly, he had good reason to despise Duret Ghal. His father had been killed in a skirmish on the northern border when he was barely twelve. There was a subset of Ghalians who despised the humans who dared to love Dragons. When a Ghalian woman had fled, seeking the protection of Ashya at the northern border, a mob had fought your soldiers and Jimin’s father had died.

Still, Jimin needed to remember you had a job to do. As your commander, he was well-aware of the weakened state of your armed forces. The treaty between Ashya and Duret Ghal needed to happen in whatever way possible.

Ignoring the interaction, Jungkook merely raised a brow. “No fees?”

Although his voice remained calm, a hint of steel lay beneath the silken words. You could hear it plainly, as did Yoongi based on the way he stiffened.

“No fees,” you repeated.

Jungkook exchanged a glance with Seokjin.

“It is not possible,” he said at last. “Our nation’s ports remain the primary source of income for many Ghalians. Now that Mor has conquered Kindare, they have free access to their ports and fail to use ours. It is only the revenue from Ashya which keeps up afloat.”

“I do not ask you to forsake all payments. Merely those from Ashya.”

Jungkook’s teeth flashed in what might have been a smile but came off as a grimace.

“Ashya provides half the sales at my docks,” he informed you. “By granting your nation free trade, you cut my people’s livelihood in half.”

Somewhat chastised by this, you sat back in your seat. You had not realized Duret Ghal’s economic outlook was so dire.

When Ashya had been a land of only Dragons, the fact you were landlocked had not been a problem. You could simply fly where you wanted and take whatever with. Now though, Ashya had more humans than Dragons and you were forced to find more accommodating solutions.

Ashyan craftspeople were famed for their metalwork, in addition to textiles, but such trade would be useless without people to buy and places to sell. For years, Duret Ghal had steadily increased their tariffs, which in turn had steadily crippled your people.

Returning to Jungkook, you clenched your jaw. “And what would we need to give Duret Ghal in order for our demand to be met?”

The corner of his lip curled.

In this singular motion, you were reminded of Jungkook’s somewhat brutal reputation. After the coup of his Uncle, rumor had it Jungkook had been bloodthirsty in his quest for revenge. Lord Vonner had been put to death in the main square of their capital city, roasted alive by Jungkook’s dragon, Nemrys.

You had not faulted him for this at the time, having also lost people at the hands of Lord Vonner. It was hard to imagine the type of pain Jungkook had gone through, losing both his parents and his throne in a single blow. Despite your understanding, you knew some had disapproved. They’d whispered amongst themselves the King had lost a better part of himself on that day.

“Shares in your mines,” Jungkook said in answer to your question. “Given the current situation with Mor, we’ve had difficulty collecting on some of our foreign loans. A fifty percent share in Ashya’s mines would ease our cash flow problems.”

Your lips tightened in response.

Jungkook had managed to touch upon Ashya’s main source of riches, and a large reason for the previous century’s Dragon Wars. Much of the Thadal range fell within your borders, meaning you owned the majority of gemstones on the continent. It meant little without Duret Ghal’s port cities, however. Mor had ceased trading with Ashyan merchants long ago.

Still, it pained you to grant Jungkook access to your most coveted resource. Everything in your nature – Dragon and otherwise – went against it, but sacrifices must be made for the greater good. You’d entered these negotiations aware this might happen. Another advisor, Lord Kim Namjoon, had warned you of it beforehand and yet, you had hoped.

If you did not find a compromise soon though, Mor would overtake you and the point would be moot.

“Ten percent,” you said at last, lifting your chin.

Jungkook’s eyes gleamed. “Forty.”

“Fifteen.”

“Twenty-five.”

“Twenty.”

Jungkook paused, then glanced at Seokjin for counsel. Bending close to the table, Seokjin scribbled something on a piece of paper and sighed. Looking at Jungkook, he nodded.

“Twenty,” Jungkook said, facing you.

You nodded, but before Jungkook could get too cocky, you held up a hand.

“In return,” you said. “All fees will be waived on Ashyan merchants.”

Jungkook stilled, a lone muscle ticking in his jaw. “I can lower the tariff to a flat rate of two and a half percent, but no more.”

The current tariffs on Ashyan merchants ranged from three to eight percent. Two and a half would benefit all Ashyan merchants, but you were uncertain if Jungkook had more to give. Possibly he was low-balling you, unwilling to show all his cards at once.

Glancing at Yoongi, you watched him slowly shake his head. No, the King was not lying.

Blinking, you returned to Jungkook. You had not expected him to show his hand so quickly. Perhaps he also tired of these negotiations. Gaze narrowed, you attempted to read the young King at the other end of the table.

His face remained blank, as inscrutable as your own. A shiver of something traveled down your spine, although you quickly pushed this away.

“We can accept this,” you said.

Jungkook nodded. “Then we are in agreement.”

Pushing your chair back, you stood from the table. “I think we have made enough progress for today. Lord Namjoon will draw up revisions for the treaty.”

Lord Namjoon nodded, near the center of the table. He was also a Dragon, although he rarely saw battle. Namjoon’s talents lay elsewhere, mainly in crafting legislation which aimed to avoid war in the first place. You could not afford to lose a mind like his to some border skirmish.

As you turned around, the skirts of your gown swept the floor. You’d nearly made it to the door when a firm hand caught your arm.

“A moment, Your Majesty,” Jungkook said, his voice low.

Going utterly still, your gaze shifted to his hand on your sleeve. Glancing up, you wished you truly had the power to turn humans to stone. It would have made these proceedings much easier.

Jungkook had dressed casually for the meeting. He seemed to have come straight from his dragon, since he wore riding leathers. He had no crown, unlike you. Amara, your lady in waiting, had insisted you add the thin, silver diadem before leaving. It lent you an air of authority, she’d said.

It seemed Jungkook could command his authority without such trinkets. The realization made you straighten, meeting his gaze several inches above yours.

“Yes?” you said, your voice frosty.

Jungkook released his grip.

A move you thought wise, all things considered. Behind him, you saw your advisors gathering their reams of paper. They chatted amongst themselves, purposefully ignoring the Ghalian retinue. All except for Lord Namjoon, who spoke politely to Lord Seokjin about a provision of the treaty.

To Lord Seokjin’s right sat Kim Taehyung, a dragon rider whose reputation preceded him. The general of Duret Ghal’s army, he had remained silent throughout the entirety of the negotiations. Based on how often he looked out the window, you got the feeling he preferred to spend his time in the sky and not amongst stuffy people.

Honestly, you could not blame him. Even if his kind of flying were a poor imitation of yours – seated astride a dragon, rather than becoming one himself.

Clearing his throat, Jungkook returned your attention to him.

“Is there something you want, Your Majesty?” you said, growing impatient. “I have a nation to run outside of these meetings, you know.”

A smile curled his lips. “I am aware.”

“So long as you are aware, then.”

You moved to walk past, but Jungkook stopped you again. Teeth gritted, you exhaled steam past your lips.

“What?” you snapped, turning to face him.

Something unreadable stole through his gaze. “We need not have these conversations at all,” he said, dropping his voice. “If you would agree to my original proposal.”

Immediately, your expression shuttered.

“Good day, Your Majesty,” you said and walked past.

This time he did not follow, falling silent as you swept from the room. Yoongi and Jimin joined your exit, the latter tossing a haughty look towards the Ghalians. Namjoon remained in the room, likely to continue his conversation with Seokjin.

As you walked away, you tried and failed to push Jungkook from mind. The offer he alluded to was completely ridiculous.

Marriage.

Seven months prior, Jungkook had sent a message to you after nearly a decade. He’d proposed several items, amongst which was a request to resume your failed betrothal. A list of reasons had been provided. Your nations were on the verge of war, the merger would benefit you both financially and would go a long way towards healing the realms.

Equally politely, you had declined.

It had been a long time since you’d sworn not to marry – or mate, as it were. The mating bond was a possibility for both Dragons and humans. Dragons only mated once in their lifetime, which tended to be longer than ordinary humans. Your parents had been mated to each other, meaning you’d witnessed firsthand the tragedy of their ending.

You would choose an heir when necessary, of course. You weren’t so selfish as to plunge Ashya into civil war when you died because you did not wish to mate. You’d even considered a marriage of practical alliance, one with no chance of mating, but the appropriate circumstances had yet to present themselves.

For this reason, amongst others, you had declined Jungkook’s offer.

Coming to a stop in the hall, you bade Jimin and Yoongi goodnight before continuing on your way. The sun had long since sunk below the horizon. Negotiations with Duret Ghal had taken up most of your time since their arrival in Valor, Ashya’s capital city, nearly ten days ago.

Outside your chambers, you nodded to the guards before entering. Once the door fell shut behind you, you released a sigh.

Straightening, you strode to your dresser and seated yourself at the mirror. As you removed your crown to set on its pedestal, you stared at the silver.

It was not as though you wished to be alone forever. Truthfully, you found yourself exhausted at the end of each day. It would have been nice to fall asleep beside someone and wake with them by your side. Each time you imagined the prospect though, you recalled your father’s death and thought better.

Both Yoongi and Namjoon knew the King had proposed.

Not Jimin, which was for the best. If you had accepted Jungkook’s offer, it would have taken a lot to convince Jimin to remain at his post. He had barely accepted the necessity of a treaty between Ashya and Duret Ghal.

Namjoon had been practical when he heard of the proposal, which you had expected. Lord Namjoon could be practical to a fault, known to ‘factor in’ emotional responses when making decisions. Privately, you thought him a nice foil to Jimin.

When you’d told Namjoon about the King’s offer, he had simply nodded and said it made sense. He acknowledged, of course, the difficulties such a match would present, but did not seem to think it would be a bad idea.

Yoongi had been the one who surprised you. As someone with decisive opinions, you’d imagined Yoongi wouldn’t approve of the match. Instead, he had merely suggested you consider the offer. When you had declined, Yoongi had seemed almost disappointed. It could be hard to tell though, since the Lord usually kept his emotions close to the chest.

Undoing the laces of your gown, you let it drop as you entered your bathing chambers. Amara had left heated water and oils, flickering candles set around the edge of your sunken tub. Lowering yourself to the water, you tipped your head back to rest on the edge.

Today ended only the first week of negotiations between you and Jungkook. Another week remained – you could survive this much, you reasoned. One week from now, you’d have much needed relief for your merchants, along with an ally against the looming threat of Mor to the south.

Only one more week, and Jungkook would be gone.

Ignoring the strange tingle which spread down your spine at the thought, you held your breath and lowered yourself underwater.

Lips pursed, you stared at yourself in the mirror.

Amara hovered, pins in her mouth while tightening your corset. Your dress for the evening was a mix of old and new – although you despised corsets, this one cinched your waist tight enough for the armor-like bodice. Skirts flowed like water to the ground, brushing the floor with emerald chiffon.

Tonight, you had decided to throw a feast honoring the upcoming treaty with Duret Ghal. The event had not been your idea, but Namjoon’s. He believed it would increase the goodwill between you.

You had protested this until Namjoon pointed out there’d been little to celebrate recently. Realizing the truth to this statement, you’d reluctantly acquiesced to two events. Tonight’s feast and a ball, to be hosted their final night before Duret Ghal left.

Inhaling, your eyes watered as Amara cinched the last hook.

“My apologies,” she said, casting a sympathetic glance in the mirror.

Mutely, you shook your head, not blaming her in the slightest. It was not her fault women's fashion tended to be barbaric, more often than not. It was why you preferred to wear looser gowns, ones you didn’t need your lady in waiting’s help to undo.

Amara had been your companion ever since you were little, although you could not exactly call her a friend. You were her Queen, first and foremost. There was no one else in Ashya for you to call an equal.

“Amara,” you said curiously, glancing up. “What do you think of the Ghalian King?”

Startled by your question, Amara nearly dropped the pins she held. Her wide brown eyes stared back at you in the mirror and briefly, you wondered if she thought this a trap. Possibly you needed to work on your resting facial expressions. Yoongi said you were too harsh, but then again, hearing this from Yoongi was the pot calling the kettle black.

“You can answer me honestly,” you said, a bit gentler. “It has been a long week of negotiations and I find myself wondering what people think of the treaty.”

“Well.” Amara looked thoughtful. “I rather think those are two different questions, Your Majesty. Do you wish to know what people think of the King, or the treaty?”

She was correct, you realized. The two were different, even if they were one and the same in your mind.

“Both,” you responded.

Turning towards the mirror, Amara began to fit the bodice over your bust. It was elaborate, with swirls of silver and emerald stitched into the hard lining.

“Well,” she said, hesitant. “Of course, people think the young King is handsome.”

“He is a rider,” you said sharply.

“It is not as important to humans,” Amara reminded gently. “It does not offend so much as it does the Dragons. And objectively speaking, the King is handsome. He could smile more,” she admitted. “But this does not seem to deter from his handsomeness.”

“I suppose not.”

Seeing your expression, she laughed. “You did ask me to speak honestly, Your Majesty. The people find the King handsome, but they do not trust outsiders. Especially Ghalians. Most have a family member who perished in the Dragon Wars.”

None of this was new information, although it did irk you to hear Jungkook’s looks were a topic of conversation in Valor. It was always like this with men versus women. The moment a male monarch had a somewhat pleasing expression, people were willing to forget all manner of atrocities committed in the past.

“And what of the treaty?” you pressed.

Amara bit down on her lip. “Well…”

“Yes?”

“It depends. Some oppose it, much as they did the treaty all those years ago. Others look forward to the potential trade gains. And still others,” Amara said, a knowing edge to her voice, “think you should accept the King’s proposal of marriage.”

Jerking upright, you prompted Amara to nearly stab you with a pin.

“Amara!” you gasped, looking down.

She blinked in surprise. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

“How… did you hear that?” you said, utterly flummoxed.

“It was only a guess.” Amara shrugged, a ghost of a smile at her lips. “Many villagers wondered if there were other reasons for His Majesty traveling all this way. They imagined you must have declined his offer, since nothing official has been announced.”

You stared at her in shock, a bit thrown by the assessment. Perhaps it had been naïve of you to assume no one would guess based on Jungkook’s elongated presence.

“I see,” you said at last. “The skirts, if you please, Amara?”

Sensing you were done with the conversation, Amara nodded and hastened to fasten the fabric. You stared at the dress in the mirror, willing your racing pulse to slow.

Your gown for the evening was emerald green; one of the colors of Ashya, along with the color of your scales as a Dragon. It had always been a source of pride for your parents, as though Natal herself had proclaimed your destiny.

As Amara arranged your train on the ground, you stared at your reflection. Most of what she said you had already known. Ashya had been divided for a long time now on how to proceed with Duret Ghal. You knew whatever choice you made, there would always be those who opposed you.

And yet, it was strange to hear some rooted for a union.

Glancing at Amara, you found yourself curious. “And what do you think?” you asked. “What is your opinion of the Ghalian King?”

Amara’s fingers hesitated on your hem.

“Me?” she said as she straightened. “I am sure I do not know, Your Majesty. I do not know the King personally, so it is hard to say.”

You nodded, having assumed as much.

“Although…” Amara hesitated, drawing your gaze back to her. “How a person treats their servants is usually indicative of their personality. Take Lord Larkin, for example,” she said, naming a wealthy noble at your court.

“What about him?”

Amara looked down. “His servants are skittish. They mostly keep to themselves at the request of their Lord. It is rumored he keeps a strict household, and his wife is inscrutable.”

Knowing what you did about Lord Larkin, these facts did not surprise you. He had an archaic mentality of most things – dutifully, you filed this information away for later use.

“What of His Majesty, then?” you said. “How do his servants treat him?”

“They seem to admire him.” Amara stood straighter. “From what I have seen, they seem to genuinely enjoy working for him and respect him. I know he has a fearsome reputation, but… perhaps it is only towards his enemies.”

“Whom we used to be,” you noted drily. “Until now.”

Her head bobbed in a nod. “This is also true.”

Despite this, Amara’s words lingered as you finished dressing. It was quite possible your feelings for Jungkook personally had clouded your judgement of him as a ruler.

There was not time to linger on this, since Yoongi arrived soon after to escort you to the great hall. You would be the last to arrive for tonight’s feast, which was customary.

Noise from the hall grew as you approached the doors. Tonight’s event would be more casual than the ball a week from now, but casual was relative since you’d been forced to wear a corset and the meal would feature no less than twelve courses.

As the doors swung open and you began to walk in, all noise within the hall ceased. Ashya’s great hall had seen centuries of celebration, along with conflict and conquest. At one point during the Dragon Wars, Valor had been briefly occupied by Duret Ghal. During this time, the banners hung on your walls had been blue and gold, instead of emerald and silver.

Entering the room with Yoongi at your side, you sensed the gaze of every inhabitant upon you. Focusing straight ahead, you did your best to ignore this. It had never felt natural to you, being the center of attention. You did so for the sake of appearances but had never enjoyed the sensation.

At least you had Yoongi, who looked handsome as usual in his formal attire. With his dark, sweeping hair and keen gaze, Yoongi would have made an excellent King consort. Unfortunately, your relationship had never progressed in this direction and frankly, Yoongi was not important enough to consider marriage without love.

Glancing your way, Yoongi caught your eye. “Is there something in my teeth?” he muttered.

Stifling a laugh, you faced forward.

“No,” you said. “I was only thinking about choices.”

Although Yoongi arched a brow, he said nothing in response. Now was not the time for an in-depth conversation. People bowed as you passed, a veritable rainbow of fabrics and colors. At the front of the hall, a table had been placed atop the raised dais. Behind it, the banners of Ashya and Duret Ghal had been strung.

High above, evergreen boughs entwined with the chandeliers, carefully spaced so they would not catch fire. Evergreens were considered sacred, symbols of Natal’s everlasting power. Although the winter solstice had not yet arrived, the air in Ashya was cold enough for them to thrive.

Your visiting guests had already arrived you saw as you approached the dais. To your surprise, you saw women traveled in Jungkook’s party. On the other side of Taehyung stood a lady with dark hair, right hand resting on the pommel of her sword.

Although both genders fought in the armed forces, it was still considered an unusual path for a woman. It was a pleasant surprise to see both men and women amongst the soldiers Jungkook had brought to greet you.

Seokjin wore robes of deep purple tonight, eschewing the colors of either nation. It was nearly as bold a statement as Taehyung, draped in the royal blue of Duret Ghal beside him. As you neared the table, both of them stood, and your gaze finally fell upon the man at the center.

Jungkook was already on his feet, a golden crown on his head in contrast to your silver.

Your gaze traveled lower, realizing he’d worn robes of midnight blue as well. His waist had been bound in a golden sash, robes flowing to accentuate his trim thighs. At his side, his sword remained hidden, a decorative golden tassel placed before the hilt. It was not the broadsword you’d seen him wear on his dragon, but a more formal rapier made for ceremonies and balls.

His gaze lingered on you as you approached, sweeping your body in similar fashion. Your skin burned each place he lingered, flames consuming you from the inside.

At the bottom of the steps you paused, and Jungkook inclined his head. His gaze remained fixed on yours the entire time.

After ascending the dais, you stood before your chair and surveyed the room. Long rows of tables and benches stared back, along with the faces of your many subjects. Taking a deep breath, you raised your chin.

“Citizens of Ashya and Duret Ghal,” you said, your voice ringing out. “We gather this evening in uncertain times. Much as Natal crafted the first light from darkness, so are better things forged in the fire of adversity. Although dark days lie ahead, I know they will only strengthen our bonds to each other.”

At your side, Jungkook listened with rapt attention. The rest of your speech was conciliatory, bland words about coming together for the betterment of both nations. Namjoon had written most of it and, in the corner of your eye, you saw him mouthing the words.

You only went off-book once, near the end.

“It is important now, more than ever, to remain united in the face of such a foe. Mor seeks to wipe us from the map – and why? It is because we are strong.” The entire great hall had gone silent, focused on your words. “We have what they will never obtain and so, they seek to destroy it. To destroy us, but I will not let them. We will not let them,” you corrected, glancing a Jungkook.

He looked at you and nodded.

“And when they do come to face us,” you said, turning forward. “We will show them exactly why they were right to fear our teeth and claws.”

A roar echoed through the hall, several shooting to their feet to vocalize approval. Turning around, you sat in your seat as gracefully as you could and arranged your gown.

Jungkook was next and once he began speaking, Yoongi leaned over.

“Nothing like a little bloodlust to get the party started,” he murmured.

You winced. “How bad was it?”

Yoongi chuckled. “They seemed to enjoy it. Lord Namjoon might not forgive you so easily.”

Glancing down the table, you saw Namjoon rubbing wearily at his temples. You nearly laughed at the sight, schooling your features to neutrality when you remembered Jungkook still spoke.

His speech was brief, which did not surprise you. During the time you’d spent in his presence, Jungkook struck you as a man with little bullshit, or patience.

Once he was finished and seated beside you, you waved a hand for the meal to start.

In the corner of the room, a string quartet began to play. Doors opened on both sides, allowing servers inside holding trays of food. As the first course was set before you – a medley of greens with spiced, mashed nuts – you reached instead for your cup of wine.

Even this strained your bodice, but you managed. One of the many perils of being a woman in power was navigating foreign dinners while wearing a corset.

“The ballroom is beautiful,” Jungkook said by your side.

Surprised, you turned. “Small talk, Your Majesty?”

He shrugged and took a bite of his greens. “You do not seem inclined to discuss important topics outside of our negotiations.”

“And what important topics would you care to discuss?”

Jungkook paused, setting down his fork to face you fully. Eyes gleaming, his lips parted, and you felt your heart start to race.

Yoongi cleared his throat at your side.

Both of you turned to stare at your advisor.

Eyebrows arched, Yoongi motioned towards the front. “The greeting line has begun,” he said.

Realizing he was correct, you sat back in your seat. Already, the line of subjects stretched down the main aisle. Lords and ladies, merchants and townsfolk, all attempting to curry favor with their monarchs. Reaching out, you gripped your wine glass to drink again. Yet another reason you disliked feasts, balls, and the like.

The politicking side of ruling had never come naturally to you, although you did practice. It meant endless hours of hobnobbing, spending time with people fawning for your favor. Still, it was important to meet with your citizens and hear their concerns. If only most of your court weren’t completely unbearable.

Inclining your head, you allowed the first two to come forward.

When they came into view, your expression softened. You had expected nobility, and instead found yourself faced with two tradespeople, by the looks of them. The man and woman had worn their best attire, immaculately neat under the scrutiny of court.

“Merchant Calum and his wife, Natalia,” said the announcer at the front.

You smiled in response to their curtsy and bow.

“Thank you for coming,” you said, and gestured for them to rise. “We are so glad you could join us tonight.”

“It is our honor, Your Majesty,” Natalia said, looking up.

“Is there something particular you came to discuss?”

Her gaze slid to Jungkook and you tried not to stiffen. Likely, they had come to see the King of Duret Ghal. It had been more than ten years since Jungkook had last entered Valor. 

“No, Your Majesty,” she said, her gaze sliding to you. “No favor to ask. We simply wished to see you in person. I apologize for my husband’s lack of speech in your presence,” she said, reaching for his hand. “He lost the ability during a fire in the mines years ago.”

“I see,” you said gently.

Looking at him, you signed your thanks for his attendance tonight. The man brightened, signing back gratitude for the invitation. His wife beamed, thanking you once more as the announcer stepped forward to hurry them on. It seemed their allotted time in your presence was up.

As they left, Jungkook glanced at you curiously. “Where did you learn how to sign?”

“Occasionally, one wishes to communicate without being overheard.”

Jungkook allowed the matter to drop but continued to look your way.

The true story was longer.

A year before your father had passed, you’d decided to join the Ashyan forces. You had called it a part of your training, but the reality had been the castle was empty and cold after your mother died.

No one had known who you were when you enlisted. You’d entered a regiment far enough away for few people to have ever walked the streets of Valor. It was where you’d met Jimin, whose parents had been Dragons of relative unknown. Under your parents’ regime, Jimin would never have been named commander.

This had been one of the first laws you overturned after your coronation – the blood laws, which had decreed only noble lines could serve in certain positions. Jimin was more Dragon than most of the realm. He fully deserved the title of commander.

While you served in the army, you’d also fallen in love for the first time. Leo had been human, from a western province so far away, it nearly fell off the edge of the map. An encounter with riders had left him without speech, so everyone in your regiment had learned to sign to communicate.

Unsurprisingly, your love had not lasted. As soon as Leo discovered who you were, things had come crashing down. When your father’s condition had worsened and you returned to the castle, your title and demands were placed on display.

Leo was ultimately forced to make a choice – a life of duty with you, or relative freedom in the western wastes. He chose the latter.

None of this was pertinent to your conversation with Jungkook though, and so you kept quiet and welcomed the next guest. A wealthier Ashyan merchant, to whom you made veiled references about lower tariffs which seemed to please him.

Once he had gone, you realized Jungkook continued to glance your way. Ignoring him, you motioned for the next group to be brought forward, but when they came into view, you stiffened. Following your gaze, Jungkook took in the two men who’d made you go still.

Lord Larkin and his son, Lord Declan – the very same nobility Amara had spoken of earlier. While you’d never liked the pair of them, your opinion had obstinately worsened based on what she’d said.

Lord Larkin bowed, silver hair shining in the candlelight above. His son, Declan, lowered his head as well. You waited a moment longer than necessary before asking them to rise.

“Lord Larkin,” you said flatly. “And Lord Declan. What a pleasure to have you both attend tonight.”

“The pleasure is ours, Your Majesty,” Larkin said with a nod. Casually, he glanced at Jungkook. “We wished to extend our welcome to the rider King, as well. It is certainly unusual to see a human seated beside an Ashyan Queen.”

Jungkook merely smiled.

Admittedly, the gesture didn’t do much to brighten his countenance. The warmth of his smile failed to reach his gaze. On the table, Jungkook tapped his long, agile fingers. You realized with some surprise they had been inked.

Tattoos were not uncommon amongst soldiers, but it was rare to see them amongst members of nobility. You found yourself curious what other marks the King bore.

“I imagine it would be unusual for any man to side beside your Queen,” Jungkook said calmly. “Dragon, rider, or any variation within.”

The implication to Lord Larkin was clear – you are not seated beside her, either. Seeming to understand, Larkin’s eyes flashed while he inclined his head.

You fought not to smile.

Lord Larkin owned two of the largest mines in the Thadal range and was integral to the Ashyan economy. It would be unwise to anger him or his family, a line you’d tiptoed around since your coronation. Especially once it became clear Lord Larkin wished to align his son, Lord Declan, to you in marriage.

For a while, you had considered the idea. Their family was powerful, in possession of both lands and titles which would enrich the crown. Lord Declan was also a Dragon, ensuring the royal Ashyan line would continue unhindered.

It had been Yoongi who advised caution. You were still young, new to the throne and with plenty of time to make an heir. Better to first gain control of your nation and consider the offers of a political marriage after. You had known even then Lord Declan was not your mate, no matter how much his father wished for him to be.

Mates were a mysterious thing in your world. They could be either Dragon or human and did not always present themselves in an obvious manner. A person could stand before their mate several times before realizing the bond.

People spoke of the signs, though. Some likened the beginnings of the bond to slow trickles of energy. Others described it as sparks caressing their skin. Still more mentioned an invisible thread which tied them to one another.

None of this you’d felt with Lord Declan, so you felt fairly comfortable saying he was not the one. And yet, you knew Lord Larkin would continue to bide his time.

“It is unusual for a male to sit by my side, you say?” you mused, sipping your wine. “Whatever do you imagine Lord Yoongi to be, Your Majesty?”

Lord Declan laughed, which prompted a glare from his father.

Jungkook tore his gaze away from the Lord. He glanced instead at Yoongi, who seemed determined to ignore your conversation while he finished his greens.

“A very pretty piece of décor,” Jungkook said at last.

At this, even Yoongi smiled. Stifling a laugh, you returned to the Lords who remained standing before you.

“He is most horrified to hear it, I am certain,” you said. “Although if His Majesty considers Yoongi’s looks to be his best asset, perhaps he is the foolish one at this table.”

Jungkook smiled at this, reaching out for a sip of his wine. He seemed more relaxed, less formal and you marveled at the change in his features.

“Is there anything else you wish to discuss?” you said, returning to the Lords.

Their time with you had been longer than the townspeople but then again, this was oftentimes the way of things. Lord Declan nodded, but Lord Larkin simply looked thoughtful, glancing between you and Jungkook. At last, he bowed his head.

“That is all,” he said. “Thank you both for your hospitality.”

Once they had left, you sagged in your seat.

“Pretty.” Yoongi snorted. “I shall have to write home and tell mother immediately.”

Jungkook laughed in response – a real, honest sound which made your heart flip in your chest. It was your first time hearing such a noise from his lips during this visit. It fractured your thoughts into a million pieces.

Rather than confront any of these pieces directly, you looked at Yoongi. “Now, there is food in your teeth,” you said.

Yoongi shrugged, lifting his spoon to fix his reflection. Returning to the waiting line, you gestured the next guests forward.

The rest of the evening passed smoothly. Most of your conversations were kept short, allowing only enough time to greet and move on. By the end of the line, your head was beginning to ache.

Collapsing into your chair, you released a sigh. The line, consumption of wine and lack of food had begun to create the perfect storm. At the next lull of music, your stomach growled in a most unbecoming fashion.

Closing your eyes, you prayed to Natal no one had heard.

“Have you eaten at all?” Jungkook asked from your side.

Opening your eyes, you wondered if perhaps the goddess was busy. Or maybe she simply didn’t care about mortal whims and petty Queens. Looking to your side, you found Jungkook frowning at your full plate.

“I have eaten some,” you said, and cut into the meat.

Before you could stop him, Jungkook had raised a palm to signal the server. “Was there a problem with your plate?” he asked, returning to you. “Or do you simply prefer to eat alone?”

Startled by how earnest Jungkook sounded, you were silent while waving the server away. The poor man fumbled a little, taking a few steps backwards before he turned around.

“Nothing of the sort,” you said, glancing at Jungkook. “The food is fine, and I do not care about eating before others.”

He seemed baffled. “Then, what is it?”

“It is my corset,” you hissed, lowering your voice. “Or have you never sat beside a woman at dinner before?”

Jungkook’s eyes widened, drifting below your neckline. Amara had done an exceedingly good job at making certain you filled out the bodice. A lone muscle ticked in Jungkook’s jaw before he looked up.

“I have sat beside women before,” he said.

“What a delight.” Reaching out, you plucked wine from the table. “I am glad to hear it is not my responsibility to teach you about the fairer sex.”

His gaze narrowed. “Corsets are not as fashionable in Duret Ghal as they are here, Your Majesty,” Jungkook said lowly. “I have never had the pleasure of removing one before.”

Gaze snapping to his, you met his darkened stare. A flicker of heat curled in your belly, making you feel even more light-headed.

Before you could respond, Seokjin asked a question and Jungkook was forced to turn away. Hastily, you sat back and faced forward again. Reaching again for your glass, you took a large sip of wine.

Amara was not wrong. Jungkook was handsome and you were no better than the many people who’d come here tonight to look at the attractive, young King. Inwardly, you cursed your weak morals.

“He is not wrong, you know.” Yoongi continued to chew on your other side. “You should eat before coming to these events, Your Majesty.”

You shot him a look. “And when I desire your opinion, I shall ask it, Lord Yoongi.”

“I thought you paid me to advise you?”

“Only under specific circumstances.”

“And what circumstances would those be?”

“When I ask.”

Yoongi laughed, setting down his fork to reach for his glass. “Will you at least send up food to eat afterwards?’

“Of course,” you said, pushing your meat aimlessly away. “This is not my first gathering, you know.”

Yoongi nodded and the two of you fell into comfortable silence. The conversation had lessened some of the tension between you and the King. And yet, you continued to be aware of his presence beside you.

On the table, his hand rested close enough for you to see. Tanned fingers entwined with black ink, his palms roughened by callouses, proof of the leather he gripped when he rode.

Jaw taut, you continued to drink from your glass of wine. Long before it was considered polite, you yearned to stand and retire for the evening. People danced after the final courses, but it was a paltry thing compared to a real ball.

Once most of your guests had begun to leave, Namjoon agreed it was acceptable for you to go. With great relief, you stood and said your goodbyes. Yoongi went with you, following you towards a separate hallway to avoid foot traffic in the castle. Halfway down the hall, you heard someone say your name from behind.

Turning around, you found King Jungkook striding towards you. His robes swished about his ankles, head held high despite the wine and the hour. As he came to a stop, you turned towards your advisor.

“You may go, Yoongi,” you said, dismissing him. “I will return to my rooms after speaking with His Majesty.”

Yoongi hesitated, then took his leave. You watched him disappear down the hall, waiting until he turned the corner before you spoke again.

“It will seem suspicious for us to leave at the same time, Your Majesty.”

Jungkook made a dismissive noise. “I am not concerned by the thoughts of people in there.”

“An odd way to think of your subjects.”

He considered you standing before him. “You have a very low opinion of who I am and how I run my Kingdom.”

“No,” you said. “Merely of the idea of you running mine.”

Jungkook blinked, taken aback by your statement, but his confusion did not last long. After a moment, he stepped forward to close the space between you.

“Is this what you think of me?” he asked, voice low. “You think I asked for your hand in marriage – why? To become King of Ashya without the difficulties of waging war?”

“It would be a practical way to go about it.”

Jungkook’s gaze scanned your features. “I do not desire to rule Ashya in your stead. Merely to provide the best solution for both our peoples.”

Standing this close, you could feel the heat from his body. His scent was a living thing, wrapping your limbs, coaxing you closer – teeth gritted, you fought the need to take a step backwards.

“That is what you say, Your Majesty.”

He stiffened. “Are you calling me a liar?”

“I believe there are things you do not tell me.”

“And what about you, Your Majesty?” Jungkook tilted his head. “You have declined my offer of marriage and have yet to give a reason.”

“Do I need to give you one?”

“I would like one.”

“I should think you used to disappointment by now,” you said. “Such is the lot of Kings and Queens.”

He stared at you for a moment, his features softened by candlelight. A feeling almost like regret stole through you, gone before you could fully embrace it.

“Do you remember the last time you visited Duret Ghal?” Jungkook asked, which surprised you.

You stared at him a moment. The suddenness of the question pushed all retorts from mind. Thus far, you had held firm to your vow not to marry by convincing yourself the man standing before you was your enemy.

Now though, he asked if you remembered.

In truth, you did.

It had been your seventeenth birthday when you last traveled to Duret Ghal. The occasion had been to finalize your parents’ treaty, as well as formally meet Jungkook as your betrothed. You had met a few times before then, as children, but it had been a long time since those days.

Duret Ghal was a land of icy wilderness, except during the summer, when harsh winter snows melted to expose greenery and cliffs. Rumors said the dragons kept their bays clear of ice, but you had gone at the wrong time of year to see this in person.

To the north of Duret Ghal lay the Irik Sea, a fathomless expanse of foamed troughs of water. Its only mountains to speak of were the famed Cliffs of Oria, which circled the capital city of Ebril. It was within these cliffs the famed dragons nested.

Ebril was situated along the coast, known equally for seamen as much as their riders. The people of Ebril were known to be craggy and sharp, much like the topography. Despite their reputation, Ebril was a city of learning. Built from the white limestone which lined its cliffs, it was occasionally referred to as the jewel by the sea.

Ebril had not been the only thing which fascinated you on that trip. You had found Jungkook equally intriguing.

He had been different then. Still quiet, but in a studious way. His hair had been shorter, as though he could not be bothered with the time it took to comb it.

Upon your arrival, you had thought Jungkook hated you. He could not seem to stand being in the same room as you for very long. Still, he had not seemed antagonistic and so, you had resigned yourself to a loveless marriage and spent time exploring the city.

One morning, you’d woke to find the day warm enough for a trip to the cliffs. Your parents had been busy from sunup to sundown, negotiating the treaty you now found yourself crafting. Back then though, you’d been blissfully free of obligation and duty.

Having never seen the Cliffs of Oria, you’d gone to the stables to secure a mount. Strictly speaking, you did not need one as a Dragon. Ideally, you preferred to fly by yourself, but your parents had warned you against shifting in Duret Ghal.

Although some things had changed since the Dragon Wars, many Ghalians still did not trust your kind. It was never a good idea to push boundaries, especially not when the treaty depended upon it.

You had even borrowed Amara’s clothes in an attempt to blend in. It had been a practical move on your part, since you’d been packed only dresses.

When you’d arrived and requested a horse from the palace stable hand, he had looked you up and down before sneering.

“You’re Ashyan,” he’d said upon hearing your accent. The word Ashyan sounded like a curse. “I heard some of your kind had come to the castle. Thought you could fly without horses, huh? What need do you have with a Ghalian mount?”

You’d been so taken aback, you blurted out the first thing which came to mind.

"If you know so much about Ashya,” you’d told him, gaze hard, “then surely you know more humans live within its borders than Dragons. Humans cannot sprout wings any more than a man like you can see reason.”

The man’s eyes had bugged, taking a threatening step forward – as a soft laugh echoed through the courtyard. Surprised, both of you had turned towards the sound.

In the archway of the stables, Jungkook had shut his book in one hand. “That was funny,” he said, looking at you.

Upon seeing the Prince, the stable hand had paled.

“Your Highness,” he said, hastening to bow.

Jungkook’s gaze slid towards him, any trace of humor disappearing. He stared at him coldly and for a moment, you’d seen a hint of the King he would become.

“I believe the lady asked for a horse.” Jungkook had spoken calmly. “Were you about to deny the request of a royal guest to the crown?”

He did not call you the princess and for a moment, you had wondered if he knew.

“Of course not, Prince Jungkook,” the stable hand had stammered and for a moment, you’d felt a modicum of pity for him.

Then the man had cast you a dark look entering the stables and you'd quickly forgotten your mercy. Instead, you’d found yourself wondering how loud he’d scream if you shifted.

Jungkook cleared his throat.

Looking at him, you’d found him lingering in the entrance to the courtyard. Curiosity washed through you, wondering if he intended for you to thank him. The idea was vaguely insulting. You could have handled one measly human.

“I did not need your help, you know,” you had said.

Jungkook had merely arched a brow. “Oh, I am aware.”

“Good.”

Turning around, you had considered the conversation to be over. While you stood and waited for your horse though, you realized Jungkook did not leave. After another moment, you’d turned towards him.

“Then, why did you interject?” you’d asked, suddenly curious.

Rather than answer immediately, Jungkook had crossed the courtyard. He came to a stop before you, forcing you to tilt your head back to see him. For a human, you remembered him being quite tall.

That close, you’d seen Jungkook’s eyes for the first time. They were not all brown, as you’d imagined. Instead, you saw many colors within – auburn, hazel, and a deep, burnished gold. 

Meeting his gaze frankly stole your breath away.

“You are my guest,” Jungkook had said. “And my betrothed. It is my duty to protect you.”

Looking away, you’d tried not to smile. Despite the fact you were trying not to laugh, it felt oddly wrong to be free of his gaze.

“Why are you smiling?” Jungkook had asked, confused.

“I am sorry,” you had said, biting back a smile. “It is only… well. Is that how women are raised in Duret Ghal?”

“I beg your pardon?”

Before you could answer, the stable hand had emerged with a horse in tow. Accepting the reins he gave, you’d placed a foot in the stirrup and swung into the saddle. Settling your weight, you’d leaned forward and pet the horse’s long mane.

Glancing up, you’d locked eyes with Jungkook. “You speak of women as though they need protection. I must say, it has never been something I needed or wanted,” you’d said quietly, then clicked your heels and steered the horse away.

You had not looked back as you rode from the castle, but felt the weight of his gaze between your shoulder blades the entire way. It had sent the strangest energy across your skin but once you reached the trail, you managed to push both this and Jungkook from mind.

The sea had always been a subject of endless fascination for you. Crossing the grassy plains which topped the Cliffs of Oria, you’d found satisfaction in the salty taste of the air.

After nearly an hour of riding, you’d slowed to a stop. Before you, the Irik Sea had stretched in an endless display of blue. It reminded you of the sky with its limitless potential. As soon as you thought this, you had the dearest wish to fly.

Glancing away, you realized you’d seen no other humans for miles. Quietly, you slipped from your horse and tied him to a tree.

Entering a nearby thicket, you’d changed from your clothes and placed them under a rock. When you transformed to a Dragon, it tended to shred whatever clothing you wore.

Naked as the day you’d been born, you stood under the sky and tipped your head back. Allowing the transformation to take hold, warmth had spread through your veins until – opening your eyes, you were a Dragon.

Humans referred to this as the change, but you’d never found it to be an accurate descriptor. It was not as though you changed from one thing to the other; merely shifted to a different part of yourself. You were always a dragon and always a human. To be a Dragon was to be both.

Wings unfurled, you’d bent and leapt into the sky. It always took you a moment to reorient after shifting. Your senses of sight, smell and hearing were sharper as a dragon, although some things were different.

Beating your wings against the sea breeze, you’d risen and fallen while surveying the cliffs. From this height, you’d been able to see the smaller cities which dotted the fields of the capital. Ebril shone like a star on the distant shore. Instead of flying towards this, you turned in the opposite direction. You had no desire to be seen and send their women into hysterics.

Remembering Jungkook’s words, a jet of flame left your nostrils in a wicked snort. The idea of protecting a Dragon was laughable. Wheeling sideways, you’d traveled further out over the ocean. It had been silver-green at the time, bright as the clearest Ashyan jewel.

Growing bolder, you’d flown lower and skimmed the waves with your toes. Swooping higher, you’d circled again before diving straight down. When you plunged beneath the surface, the coldness of the Irik snatched fire from your lungs. Sputtering, you’d breached the surface and shot into the air to hang there, gasping.

Then you grinned and dove again.

For the first time in months, you’d allowed yourself to have fun. Ever since you’d turned sixteen, you’d become infinitely aware of your title and duty. Your duty to marry, to someday become Queen and leave your childhood behind. You’d wondered why you needed to give up fun and freedom, all for someone else’s hand.

In truth, the idea of marriage had scared you. Riders enjoyed taming dragons, or so the legends had said. They’d taken your ancestral creatures and turned them into beasts who willingly did their bidding. You had no desire to do anyone’s bidding but your own.

After a long day of flying, you’d tucked in your wings and returned to the cliffside. Although you had told your parents where you were going, they would worry if you were not back in time for dinner. Approaching the spot where you’d left your things, you realized a second horse had been tethered beside yours.

Searching the plains, you’d immediately spotted Jungkook. He lazed in the sun at the edge of the cliff, book open on his stomach and one arm behind his head.

He did not so much as look up when you landed, although the noise from your wings must have been deafening. Dropping into the thicket, you’d quickly returned to human form. With trembling hands, you’d pulled back on Amara’s clothes.

As you exited, Jungkook remained in his same position. Upon seeing him there, you’d stopped and looked away. Perhaps he had not seen you after all.

“How was your swim?” Jungkook had asked, eyes still shut.

Your stomach had dropped.

“I can explain,” you’d said, stepping forward.

One eye opening, Jungkook had frowned. Pushing himself to his elbows, he’d surveyed you and it had struck you suddenly how beautiful he was. Brown curls and soft gaze, above a lean body.

“What do you have to explain?” he’d asked, sounding curious.

“I – well.” For the first time, you’d found yourself flummoxed. “I did not mean to take advantage of Duret Ghal’s hospitality.”

This seemed to amuse him. “Are you… apologizing for using the sky, Your Highness?”

“No. Well, yes.”

Something in your expression made Jungkook soften. Closing his book and setting it aside, he’d stood from the ground and began to walk closer. He came to a stop near enough to see the tiny mole beneath his lip.

“Some Ghalians fear Dragons, it is true,” he’d said quietly. “But you need not ever fear this from me, Your Highness. If someone asked you not to fly in my Kingdom, please consider this to be a formal revocation.”

You had stared at him a moment before arching a brow. “It could be dangerous to fly, though. I might be in need of protection.”

Jungkook had paused for a moment before laughing, his head thrown back and smile wide. It was the same laugh he’d made tonight at the banquet.

“Forgive me for earlier,” he’d said, lowering his head to meet your gaze. “It was foolish of me to imagine I might protect a mighty Dragon.”

Although he’d adopted a teasing tone, seriousness lit his gaze. You found you rather enjoyed it. Enjoyed him, against all better reason. The slightest of thrills went down your spine.

“Foolish, indeed,” you’d murmured.

In your mind though, you’d wondered if perhaps you were the foolish one.

Although the day had been nearly ten years ago, you had never forgotten it. Never forgotten the boy who’d wanted to protect a Dragon.

The answer to Jungkook’s question was a resounding yes.

Yes, you remembered. Perhaps too much.

“I remember some,” you said, fighting to keep your voice steady. “Not all.”

Jungkook paused. “I see.”

“If that is all, I shall –”

“We were to be married before,” he said, expression inscrutable. “Is the idea of marrying me now so repulsive?”

“I do not find you repulsive,” you said on instinct.

Too late, you realized you’d eliminated an answer. You did not find Jungkook repulsive, so your reason for declining was something else.

He considered this. “No?”

“I do not,” you admitted. “But I also don’t know you, Your Majesty. Our former betrothal ended nearly ten years ago. The intention was to mend a rift between two nations. The situation is different now. Now, we have a common enemy to unite us.”

“And once Mor is defeated?”

“The defeat of a mutual enemy will be enough.”

Jungkook gave you a look which plainly said, will it?

Growing increasingly frustrated, you stepped forward until you stood nose to nose. Tilting your chin higher, you fought the overwhelming tide of his cedar and sunshine.

“You asked if I remember our last meeting and I do,” you said hotly. “I also remember the carnage which followed. Do not ask from me more than I can give, Your Majesty.”

A shadow crossed Jungkook’s expression, quickly followed by anger.

“If you remember so well,” he said, eyes narrowed. “Then surely you remember it was my Kingdom, not yours which paid for the coup in blood. It took me many years to rebuild what my Uncle destroyed.”

“I did not mean –”

“I think you did,” he interrupted. Taking a step back, he allowed cool air to pass between you. Stiffly, he bowed. “Thank you for the evening, Your Majesty. Enjoy the remainder of your night.”

Turning around, Jungkook strode down the hall until he disappeared.

You remained still for a moment, staring after him and wondering what you had done. All you’d wanted to do was to steer the conversation away from your vow not to marry. Instead, you’d insulted a man who had done nothing to harm you – at one point, he’d even wanted to protect you.

Gathering your skirts, you turned and walked away. Yoongi had not waited for you, for which you were grateful. You had no doubt he’d side with King Jungkook regarding your display this evening. Anyone with half a brain would, you supposed.

Still, it was too much for Jungkook to expect you to marry him simply because you had once been engaged. You’d been right about one thing – the situation was different now. You were different now and could not afford to let Jungkook get any closer.

You’d witnessed firsthand the kind of disaster such unions wrought.

Climbing the steps to your chamber, the crown on your head felt heavier tonight than ever before.

The sun had not yet risen when you left your bed the next morning. Donning a gown, you hastily braided your hair and slipped outside. Nodding hello to your guards, you hurried down the corridors and out a side door.

As the land of Dragons, Ashya had developed unique features attuned to their needs. One such accommodation were the sheds – tiny, low buildings with large yards beyond them. They rested on the opposite side of the stables, since horses tended to be spooked by dragons and the main purpose of the sheds was for Dragons to shift.

Entering the one closest, you shut the door and began to undress. Hanging your clothes on the wall, you strolled into the enclosed yard. Its walls were high enough to ensure no passersby saw, yet large enough to encompass an adult Dragon.

Inhaling a breath, you tipped your head back and let the shift come. Wings unfurling, you opened your eyes and set your forelegs upon the ground. Bending low to the dirt, you pushed yourself upwards and into the sky.

Soaring over the castle, you began to fly southeast of the city. Valor sprawled out beneath you, a haphazard city of cobblestone and flint. Smoke curled from the chimneys, the earliest households waking for the day.

To the east, the foothills of the Thadal mountains were covered in pasture. Sheep and goats grazed there; their wool favored by Ashyan merchants. Circling overhead to ensure all was well, you found yourself satisfied and began to climb higher.

This was one of your favorite pastimes. Flying high enough that even your Dragon’s breath froze in your lungs, crystallizing in bursts until you could no longer bear it. Then you dove, tucking your wings in to hurtle towards the ground.

At the last moment, you snapped your wings open and rode the wind.

Snorting a thin stream of smoke, you slowed as you approached the mountains. The first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, spilling their light between the rocky crags. Inhaling fresh morning air, you flew further south.

The Thadal range was truly one of the wonders of the continent. Flying between towering peaks, you did not question why the Dragon Wars had been fought for its riches. The mountains went on for miles in the east, a flight you’d only made once. It had taken you nearly a week to cross the entire range and at its end you’d found a desert similar in size to the Irik Sea.

When you had returned, your father had berated you. Your mother had died only a year prior and he had only recently managed to pull himself together. If you had died, he’d shouted, the entire future of Ashya was lost.

It was a heavy burden to bear, but one you’d shouldered after his passing. Everything you did was for your nation and people. You would be enough for Ashya and would guard against the kind of attachments which might put this at risk.

As the sun slowly rose, the tightness in your stomach increased. With the rising sun came the responsibilities of being Queen. You had a schedule to keep, meetings to attend with Duret Ghal, your advisors and a large group of nobles.

Tucking in your wing, you began to turn – only for bright, searing pain to hit you in the shoulder.

Crying out, you fought to keep stable while twisting around. Wings beating the air, you frantically searched for your attacker. Vision blurred, you scanned the tree lines below and found nothing.

A second bolt shot towards you. With great effort, you managed to dodge the strike, rolling in midair. Mid-twist, you realized a large iron bolt remained lodged in your shoulder.

Stomach curdling, you realized what danger you were in. Only Mor had crossbows strong enough to kill a Dragon. Somewhere beneath you lay a Mor patrol.

Searching the woods, you felt hot drops of blood dripping from your scales. Before you could retaliate, before you could so much as inhale, an arrow of darkness shot into your vision.

Jungkook, astride his dragon, Nemrys, laid waste to the mountain.

A great wave of fire engulfed where the Mor patrol had been. Faint screams rose from below, a final shot fired but its aim was way off, as though whomever had done so, did so out of panic.

Wings flapping, you tried to stay aloft, but to no avail. It was hard to bring down a Dragon with a single bolt, but Mor had perfected their technology over the past century and you’d been caught unawares.

Nemrys continued to torch the forest even as you dropped, struggling to stay alight. Vision turning black, you thought you heard Jungkook yell – or maybe it was your own subconscious – before you spiraled down, wings cutting through branches before you hit the ground.

Everything went dark after that.

Groggily, you woke to the sound of your name being called.

Fabric had been draped over your torso, softer than the dirt beneath your back. As you opened an eye, you realized you’d shifted to human. This happened occasionally when you went through a great shock.

As soon as you thought this, you remembered the attack. When you attempted to sit upright, a gentle hand gripped your shoulder. Re-focusing through the haze, you realized it was Jungkook who knelt beside you.

His expression remained on your arm. A shudder of pain wracked your body, which had been covered by his cloak, you realized.

Except for your shoulder, that was.

Catching a glimpse of it on the ground, you winced and forced yourself to look away. The lower part of your arm remained unscathed, but the upper portion was in bad shape. All you could see was blood, shredded muscle, and bone peeking through.

“The arrow,” you breathed, head spinning. “Where is it?”

“Knocked loose when you landed,” Jungkook said, tight-lipped. “Which was lucky, given how large the bolt was. Had you shifted while it was still in your shoulder… I do not know what might have happened. Still…” He paused. “You have lost a lot of blood.”

Turning aside, Jungkook began rummaging through a pack on the ground. Dizzily, you glanced around the forest clearing.

“W-where is Nemrys?” you asked, your teeth chattering.

Jungkook looked back with alarm. “I left him in the clearing,” he said. “There was not enough room for him to land.”

“And this is… your cloak?”

Jungkook nodded but said nothing more. He was dressed in all leather, a broadsword strapped to his back in a pragmatic sheath. When he turned your wrist over, you let out a hiss and his gaze snapped to yours.

A war seemed to wage within him as Jungkook sat back on his heels. “You have lost a lot of blood,” he repeated.

“There are healers in Valor,” you said, struggling to sit up. “You must bring me to them.”

Jungkook gripped your good shoulder again. “You cannot shift in this state, and I fear moving you would aggravate the wound ever further.”

You glared at him from the ground. “What do you propose, then?”

Even as you spoke, it occurred to you the situation might be bad. Right now, shock and adrenaline kept the pain at bay, but it would soon wear off.

“I stopped the blood flow as best I could,” Jungkook said. “But it continues to bleed. I fear you may lose consciousness before we reach the capital.”

Panic rose, choking whatever retort you had to say. If you lost consciousness now, it would only be a matter of time before your organs began to fail. You could not die here. You would not; not on an unknown forest floor, miles away from your home.

You would not be brought down by a single Mor patrol before you even got the chance to face them on the battlefield.

“What are the options,” you said, returning to Jungkook. “Do you have a tourniquet with you? Can Nemrys cauterize my wound? I can survive the loss of a limb, Your Majesty, but I will not leave Ashya so poorly defended.”

Jungkook stared at you a moment before he slowly exhaled.

“There is another option,” he said at last.

“Whatever it is, you best do it quickly. Before I pass out and leave you to wrestle with your conscience alone.”

Suppressing a grimace, Jungkook finally nodded and rolled up his sleeves. It exposed sinuous forearms and ink which, in any other circumstance, you might have found appealing. As it was, you merely found them distracting.

Jungkook hesitated before laying his hands on your arm.

“You must…” He paused, then swallowed. “You must trust me, Y/N.”

The use of your first name was shocking enough for you to fall silent. Nodding, you stared at the sky and laid as still as you could. The pain had begun to set in; you could feel phantom tingles from your injured limb. Dull, shooting pain which throbbed in your shoulder.

At first, nothing happened.

Jungkook’s hands remained on your arm and for a moment, nothing changed. Then – a flurry of sparks skittered down his hands. They sank into your skin so quickly, you thought you’d imagined it.

In response to this, the pain flared, and you arched your back.

“Steady,” said Jungkook, calloused hands on your body. It could have been your imagination, but his dark eyes seemed to glow. “The pain will be gone soon.”

As he spoke, more and more sparks traveled down his forearms. They increased until a golden stream of light poured from his fingertips, fracturing into pieces and – healing you, you realized.

Each place the golden light touched, your muscles reknit. Blood flowed back to the wound as your skin stitched itself together. Shocked, you stared at the evidence of your wound being erased. A bead of sweat rolled down Jungkook’s brow, his color turning sallow while you stared in alarm.

“Jungkook,” you rasped, chest rising and falling. The steady stream of light continued to brighten. “Jungkook – enough.”

He inhaled and jerked back, severing the connection.

Still breathing heavily, you stared at him in shock. The forest around you seemed darker, as though it, too, missed the light. Missed the golden magic which had poured forth from his fingers.

Shakily, you pushed yourself to a seated position, one hand on his cloak to hold it in place. Glancing down, you saw your shoulder and went still. He had healed you. Somehow, Jungkook had healed you.

Experimentally, you flexed the muscles and watched the skin ripple, undeterred.

You’d heard of healing magic but never experienced it in person. Magic was rare enough for not all gifts to be born in the same lifetime. There was also the small matter of neither of Jungkook’s parents being Dragons. Only a human with a Dragon parent could inherit magical gifts.

“Explain,” you said, gaze lifting to him.

Jungkook blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Explain,” you repeated, not looking away. “How did you heal me?”

Finally understanding, Jungkook sat back on his heels. Twisting around, he rummaged in his pack for a canteen and unscrewed the cap. As he took a long sip, Jungkook stared at the forest.

His exhaustion was clear, and you felt a glimmer of regret at your words. Regret – and something else. Something warmer, which wrapped you in golden tendrils as easily as his magic.

Clutching the cloak, you stared and realized you were being unfair. First and foremost, he had saved your life. Everything else could wait.

“Thank you,” you said quietly.

Jungkook stilled.

“I do not know how, nor why you healed me,” you continued. “But… thank you for doing so.”

Setting down his canteen, Jungkook waited a moment before turning to face you. He seemed to wrestle with some inner emotion.

“You are welcome.” After another beat, he reached into his sack. “Here,” he said, pulling out a ball of clothes. “If you wish to change into my spare clothing, you may. I can wait over there.”

Once you accepted the bundle, Jungkook stood from the ground. Dusting his palms on his pants, he swayed a little before he steadied himself. Before you could comment on this he was gone, trekking across the clearing.

Silently, you unfolded the clothes in your lap.

They included a tunic and trousers, along with a leather belt to hold them in place. Scuffed boots made up the last item of the pile. Running a thumb up their side, you attempted to determine their make.

“Why do you have all this?” you asked, looking up.

Even from here, you could see Jungkook’s cheeks redden. “Nemrys and I were once trapped by a snowstorm. We were forced to camp for the night in the mountains. Ever since then, I’ve always carried supplies. Get dressed,” he said, turning around. “I promise not to look.”

Tough you bristled, you watched and true to his word, he did not turn around. Once you were certain of this, you stood from the ground and began to dress yourself. His tunic was much too large, as were the trousers, forcing you to tighten the belt to its final notch. The fabric was soft and warm though, smelling of him.

Again, you marveled at your ease of motion. You’d seen your shoulder before Jungkook had done his healing and knew the situation could have been worse. If you hadn’t bled out in the woods, you might have lost the limb. Even in older accounts of magical healing, you knew it could be dangerous work. Healing required knowledge of muscles, veins, ligaments, and nerve endings. It was simple to patch up skin – harder to make everything beneath it work again.

Whatever magic Jungkook had, it was powerful.

Once you were fully dressed, you approached him on the other side of the clearing. Jungkook continued to stare pointedly at the woods, only turning around when you tapped his shoulder. He swiftly took in your outfit, gaze darkening at the sight of his clothes on your frame.

Ignoring the possible meanings his look could contain, you cleared your throat.

Jungkook’s gaze jumped to yours. “Are you ready to go?” he said, a bit brusque. “Nemrys is willing to fly us both back.”

Your jaw fell a little. “You wish for me to ride a dragon?”

“I expect you not to undo the gift I gave. Although I fixed your shoulder the best I could, I’d prefer a healer examined you back in Valor. It would be bad,” Jungkook added, seeing your expression, “if the Queen of Ashya were to plummet from the sky after my attempted healing.”

Much as you hated to admit it, he had a point. Magic was tenuous – even you knew how complicated healing magic was.

“Fine,” you muttered. “I will ride back with you.”

When you moved to walk past him, Jungkook grabbed your arm. Bristling somewhat, you stared at his hand on your sleeve.

“What?” you huffed, looking upwards.

Jungkook met your gaze. “Before we go,” he said slowly. “There are things you should know. Things we need to discuss.”

“Such as?”

“Such as my magic,” he said, releasing your arm. “My magic, where it comes from, and what it means for Ashya.”

You stared at him, not understanding.

Jungkook exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. Dark strands fell around his face, partially concealing the worry in his gaze. Of what, or for whom, you did not know.

“Do you know the origin story of magic?”

His voice had deepened, softened a little. Something about this and his expression convinced you not to snap back. Every child on the continent knew the origin story.

“Of course,” you said curiously. “Natal ripped a hole in the veil and before she could close it, magic seeped through.”

“True.” Jungkook nodded. “In your version of the story though, only your kind were gifted with magic. This is not the case. All dragons have magic.”

The world around you seemed to tilt. What Jungkook said was impossible and yet, he seemed utterly serious. For a moment, you wondered if he’d also been hurt in the attack. Perhaps he’d hit his head in his haste to heal you.

“You are the only kind of dragon who can shapeshift,” he continued. “Other kinds of magic exist, though. There are other types of power the dragons can wield.”

“Impossible,” you whispered, finally finding your voice.

“It is true.” Jungkook’s gaze remained level. “Riders can use the magic of the dragon they’re bonded to. It is why I can heal. Nemrys comes from a long line of dragons with healing magic.”

“It cannot be,” you said, reeling from the implications. “Only the descendants of Dragons and humans are born with magic.”

“And riders, once they bond.”

You stared at him a moment, then shook your head. “We would have known. We would… we would have known if someone else could use magic. How could we not?” you demanded.

A shadow of something bitter crossed Jungkook’s expression. “I am sure you are aware there are parts of Duret Ghal which disapprove of magic.”

You did not know how this could relate to the dragons and their riders but allowed the detour to continue. It could not be worse than the sudden revelation magic was different from what you’d always imagined.

“I am aware,” you said flatly. “A ridiculous notion. Magic wins wars.”

“True.” Jungkook seemed to weigh his words. “But those born with gifts are viewed as a necessary evil by some within Duret Ghal. A tool for battle and nothing more. If these people had discovered their leaders had magic?” Jungkook shook his head. “A century ago, Ghalians would have revolted.”

Your eyes narrowed. “They would accept you ride dragons, but not that you have magic?”

A ghost of a smile crossed Jungkook’s lips.

“Humans are gifted magic when a Dragon and human mate,” he explained. “For many years, Duret Ghal considered Ashya and Dragons to be our enemy. You can understand why the idea of magic was an inherent threat.”

“…I suppose.”

“They only accepted the riders because Ghalians imagined the same thing you did – that the dragons we ride are a tame, subservient species compared to your own. It is not so.”

“No?”

“No.”

Unable to fathom this, you looked away at the forest. If everything Jungkook said was true, then the history of your nation – of your continent – was a lie. The Dragons of Ashya were only different in that they could shapeshift. The rhetoric you’d believed your whole life, that you were somehow more than the rest, was untrue.

The dragon riders had magic and, realizing this, you turned back.

“Why did you heal me, then?” you asked. “If the Ghalians feel so strongly about magic, surely you would wish to keep this a secret?”

Jungkook hesitated.

“We were… aware of the risk coming here. For many years, I have been trying to convince the other riders to reveal themselves,” he explained. “It was the coming war against Mor which convinced them, in the end.”

“What does Mor have to do with it?”

“Everything,” Jungkook said. “Mor has declared a war on all dragons, including those of Duret Ghal. Their technology is beyond ours. When they do come, it will be a bloody battle. If we do not fight with our full capabilities, we might fail. I will not allow this to happen.”

“And so,” you said slowly. “You healed me because… you had already decided to reveal your magic?”

An amused gleam entered his gaze. “Amongst other reasons,” Jungkook allowed. “Though you may not believe it, I rather enjoy having you around, Your Majesty. It would be a pity to waste a life such as yours.”

There seemed to be deeper meaning to his words, but you had no time to dissect it. Stepping closer, Jungkook looked down.

“We had planned to reveal our magic once the treaty was signed,” he explained. “Your injury simply moved up the timeline.”

“I see,” you said, somewhat dazed by his presence so close to your own.

Jungkook nodded, then turned to continue, but something within you kept you from moving. Staring at the back of his head, you realized the words you truly wanted to say.

“And the other dragons,” you said slowly, then stopped. “What about them?”

Paused at the edge of the clearing, Jungkook turned around. Wariness had entered his gaze.

“I do not know this is my story to tell,” he admitted. “But since you cannot speak directly to Nemrys, I can tell you what he told me.”

Jungkook glanced overhead and you wondered if he searched for the time. Or, you realized, he could be communicating with Nemrys.

You had known rider and dragon had a bond. This had been well-documented throughout history, but not much else was known beyond their ritualistic ceremony. Whether dragon and rider could converse was a controversial topic amongst historians, but based on what Jungkook said, it seemed they could.

Based on what he did now, it seemed they did.

“Thousands of years ago,” Jungkook finally said, looking down. “Natal broke the sky and magic flowed in. It entered all dragons who slept in the mountains below. The magic manifested in different forms. A line of dragons known for compassion became healers. Another line, known for passion and wildness, became stormmakers. And another, always curious, became the shapeshifters.

“Human beings were originally from the south, but as they moved north, they encountered the dragons. Wars were fought between them, bloodier than any of our recent conflicts. Many were killed on both sides, until the head of the shifter dragons decided to become human.

“There was dissent amongst the dragons as to whether this was wise. Many did not like the idea of stooping to the humans’ level, but the shifter line proceeded despite their caution. Your kind founded Ashya and lived in peace for a while.

“Over time, changes took place. Small, at first – and then larger. Some of the shifters chose not to shift, even though they could. Some decided they preferred human form over dragon. In an important conflict, the shifters sided with humans. Certain lines of dragons deemed this to be unacceptable.

“The most feared magic amongst dragons was – and still is – that of the memory dragons. These dragons, though rare, can manipulate thought, memory and perception. As punishment for siding with the humans, they took away your memory of all dragons. Stole your ability to communicate while in dragon form. Over time, your kind have forgotten what you once were.

“It was a terrible punishment. One which has not been given since. That is the whole truth,” he finished quietly. “That is the knowledge which has been kept from your kind.”

Falling silent, Jungkook allowed time for his story to sink in. The forest around you was silent as well, as though it, too, were holding its breath.

You could only stare while struggling to comprehend. If what Jungkook said was true, then you were not different from other dragons – or, you were, but not in the ways you’d once thought. They were as intelligent, as cohesive, and knowledgeable as you were. More, perhaps, if they had hidden this from you for so long.

“And so, rider magic,” you said, a bit hoarse. “How…?”

“Ah.” Jungkook gave a wry smile. “The riders did not come until later. Call it Natal’s judgement, if you will. As time went on, some of the dragon lines grew more curious about humans. One of them somehow bonded with a human. This continued to occur until finally, the King of Duret Ghal himself became a dragon rider.”

“And the riders,” you said, trying to piece it together. “They can use their dragon’s magic?”

Jungkook nodded.

“And you speak to them?” The barest hint of wonder entered your voice. “Can you speak to all dragons?”

“Only the one we are bonded to,” Jungkook said, a bit softer.

“I see.”

He gave you a look. “I know this is a lot to take in.”

“No. Well, yes,” you said as you shook your head. “You have given me much to think on, Your Majesty.”

Jungkook’s expression shuttered a bit at the formality, but he inclined his head. “Indeed, Your Majesty,” he responded.

You stared at him for a moment, taking in the dried sweat on his forehead from the energy spent healing you. Something had changed between you, and you did not know how you could turn back.

“Thank you,” you said softly.

Jungkook glanced up. “For what?”

“For many things, I suppose. For healing me. For trusting me with the truth. I owe you a life debt, Your Majesty.”

An unreadable look passed over his face. “I imagine there will be many life debts between us before this war comes to pass.”

He was not wrong and for a moment, you allowed yourself the luxury of imagining you might face this war together.

“A fair point,” you allowed.

Glancing past him, you surveyed the clearing. Nemrys must be nearby, or Jungkook would not have gotten to you so quickly. Suddenly, the prospect of meeting another dragon held an entirely different meaning. All this time, you had assumed them to be less intelligent than your own and had treated them as such. You could only imagine how little they thought of you.

Nemrys would likely be less thrilled to have you riding him, than you would be in the saddle.

“There is another reason I healed you,” Jungkook admitted.

You glanced his way in surprise. “And what reason was that?”

Jungkook walked closer, step by step until he was barely a foot away. Reaching out a hand, he adjusted his tunic where it fell on your frame. His thumb brushed your bare collarbone and in response to this, you barely suppressed a shiver.

“You said you did not know me.” Jungkook swallowed. “It seemed a shame for our time to be cut short before I could remedy this fact.”

With that, he dropped his hand and walked away.

You stared as he left, feeling utterly thrown until he spoke again.

“Follow me,” Jungkook called. “Nemrys is impatient. Not unusual for a dragon, but he does make a good point. People will be looking for us – I was expected back nearly an hour ago.”

Glancing overhead, you realized Jungkook was right based on the sun's position. It had risen nearly above the treetops, meaning Jimin would have people looking for you soon.

Jungkook kept going as you followed, striding from the clearing you’d made when you fell. It took only a few minutes before the trees had thinned enough for you to come face to face with Nemrys on the ground.

His scales were ebony in color, dark as the night sky above during the witching hour. Only one golden eye could focus on you at a time, but the one which did remained steady as you entered.

Nemrys did not seem happy to see you, and you did not blame him. Dragons were a territorial bunch, whether shifter or otherwise. If Nemrys considered you a threat to Jungkook, he would stop at nothing to protect his rider.

As you exited the forest, Jungkook looked up. “No,” he said sharply, walking around Nemrys’ side.

Curious, you turned and realized he wasn’t speaking to you.

“What did Nemrys say?” 

A growl left Nemrys’ throat, clawing at the ground with a single, curved talon.

Jungkook sighed in response, looking skyward. He seemed thoroughly exasperated, and it was one of the most natural expressions you’d seen on him thus far.

“Nemrys asked if you wished to ride in the saddle, or have him carry you,” Jungkook said at last, looking down.

Gaze narrowed, you turned your head to Nemrys. If you did not know any better, you could have sworn his upper lip curled. To be carried by a dragon meant to dangle upside down from their claw while they flew through the air.

“No, thank you,” you said, walking closer. “Although, I do have something I wish to say to Nemrys.”

Coming to a stop before him, you looked Nemrys in the eye. Nemrys slowly blinked, as though he were extremely uninterested in whatever you had to say.

“Thank you,” you said, your voice softening. “Thank you… for telling me, through him.”

Nemrys stilled.

“And for healing me,” you added, bowing your head. It was a sign of great trust to expose your neck to a dragon. “I cannot find the words to express my gratitude.”

After a moment, Nemrys exhaled and lowered his head as well. Glancing up, you met his gaze and felt something unspoken pass between you.

“He thinks you might find the saddle more comfortable,” Jungkook said, sounding a bit amused at the side.

Lips twitching, you took a step backwards and looked now at Jungkook. Nemrys snorted again, steam exhaled past his lips. In response to whatever he’d said, Jungkook’s cheeks turned a bit pink.

“What was that?” you asked, curious.

“Nothing.” Jungkook glared at the dragon. “Nemrys said we should go.”

Nemrys snorted once more, steam rising as he hauled himself to his feet. It did not seem Jungkook was telling you the entire truth, but the importance of this faded when you saw the saddle. It had not seemed as high when you were also a dragon.

“You sit up… there?” you asked, coming to a stop.

Jungkook hid his smile. “It isn’t as dangerous as it seems,” he insisted, placing a hand on the ladder. “You just climb all the rungs until you reach the top.”

Nodding, you placed one foot in the stirrup and firmly gripped the ladder. As you began to climb, hand over foot, you found yourself holding your breath. Eventually, you reached the top and swung a leg over.

“Careful,” Jungkook called from the ground. “I still want my healer to take a look at your shoulder.”

“I have healers, too,” you grumbled, settling onto the leather.

Jungkook climbed after you, swinging his leg over to land firmly behind you. His right hand found your waist, tugging you back until your spine met his chest. None other would dare touch the Queen in such a manner but then again, Jungkook was also a King.

“I know,” he said, his breath warm on your ear. “But mine are accustomed to dealing with magical healing.”

Unable to argue, you gripped the front of the saddle. Unconvincingly, you tried to make yourself believe it would be like riding a horse. Jungkook’s hand gripped your hip, distracting enough that you nearly forgot what you were doing.

As Nemrys bent and spread his wings, you forced your eyes shut. It was a silly thing, but you’d never flown through the skies when you were not the one in control.

You felt, rather than saw, when the ground fell away beneath you. Wind whistled past your ears, the force of gravity pressing you against Jungkook’s chest. He said nothing in response, merely curled his fingers into the hem of your tunic.

One you felt comfortable, you opened your eyes against the rushing wind.

For a moment, vertigo overtook you and you felt a bit nauseous. It felt wrong to fly in your human body, with nothing protecting you if you were to fall. The feeling only lasted a moment though, before you began to marvel at the landscape beneath you.

It looked different with your human vision – as a dragon, you could see UV as well as blue, red and green. Vision as a human was softer, the mountains before you a muted grey-green. Even the air felt colder without your dragon skin.

Unbidden, you shivered, and Jungkook’s hand tightened.

“It is different,” you breathed, staring hard at the ground.

Jungkook chuckled, low in your ear. “Different for me, too,” he admitted. “I have never flown with another person before.”

Startled, you turned and found his face close to yours. You had not thought about this when you moved, but now found yourself inches away from his lips.

“Never?” you murmured, your words caught by the wind.

“Never.”

Again, the same shiver swept your spine, so you forced yourself to face forward. The wind continued to blow, ferocious and cold, but Jungkook managed to stay warm behind you. Eyes drifting shut, you allowed yourself a moment to bask in his presence.

Only a moment before you pulled yourself together.

All too soon, you arrived at the castle courtyard. Landing in the open space by the gates, you realized a search party had already gathered. Sliding down from Nemrys, you barely paused to give thanks before hurrying on.

Midway to the castle, you saw Jimin break ranks as he jogged to see you. Scanning your frame, his silver-blonde hair blew haphazardly in the wind. Coming to a sudden stop, Jimin glanced past you, his eyes widening when he realized you’d come from Nemrys.

Before he could speak, Namjoon skidded to a stop beside him.

“Y/N,” he gasped, lowering both hands to his knees. “By the veil, you scared us.”

Guiltily, you turned. “I am sorry,” you told him. “I am fine, though. I promise. I apologize for making you worry.”

Jimin continued to stare at Nemrys. “Your Majesty. What –”

“It was my fault,” Jungkook interrupted, striding into the circle. He came to a stop alongside you, as though he belonged there. “I saw Her Majesty injure herself while out flying and insisted on escorting her back to the castle.”

Namjoon looked at you in alarm. “Is this true? Are you hurt?”

“Only a dislocation,” you assured him. “Nothing to worry about.”

Although Namjoon nodded, Jimin continued to frown.

“A dislocation,” he said slowly, his gaze flicking to yours. “While flying?”

“Momentarily blinded by the sun,” you explained. “Hit a cliff and was forced to shift back to human.”

“And… Jungkook saw?”

Both Jimin and Namjoon glanced at Jungkook, who jumped into the story without missing a beat.

“Nemrys has excellent vision,” he said with a shrug. “Better than I, that is for certain.”

Jimin still seemed suspicious, but he eventually nodded. “We are glad to see you safe, Your Majesty,” he said. “I will go and tell the search party to stand down.”

“Thank you,” you said quietly.

Jimin began crossing the courtyard, leaving you alone with Namjoon and Jungkook. You fully intended to tell Namjoon and Jimin the truth, but now was not the right moment. Too many ears were listening.

“Is Yoongi furious?” you asked lowly. “How many meetings have I missed?”

Namjoon gave a rueful smile. “He will get over it. Your meetings for the morning have been postponed. The afternoon remains.”

“Good,” you said, stepping forward. “I will just –”

“Your Majesty,” Jungkook said, and you paused. “I did hope you would see the healer on my staff before returning to duty.”

He stood to your side, looking at you earnestly. Namjoon glanced between you; his surprise further increasing when you eventually nodded.

“His Majesty is correct,” you admitted. “I do feel fine, Namjoon, but it is better to be safe than sorry. I will have things to discuss with you after.”

Namjoon slowly nodded, seeming to understand. “Anything I need to know now?”

Glancing around, you ensured no one could hear. “A Mor patrol,” you said quietly. “Barely fifteen miles south. They were the true cause of my injury, but they are no longer a worry.”

Namjoon’s brow creased even further. “Are you certain you are alright? If it was a Mor patrol, you may have–”

“I am fine,” you cut in, quiet.

Namjoon hesitated before he nodded again. “Alright. I will have Jimin send soldiers to search the surrounding mountains.”

“Thank you. Tell Yoongi I will be up as soon as I can. And have Amara send me new clothes,” you added as you walked past. “I believe it sends the wrong message to wander around in His Majesty’s leathers.”

Namjoon nearly choked on his response while turning to leave.

“Well?” You glanced sideways, at Jungkook. “What are we waiting for?”

Turning his laugh into a cough, Jungkook began to walk forward. “Nothing,” he said.

Following his footsteps, you realized he went towards the guest entrance of the castle. Jungkook had not landed near the sheds, which made sense. Dragons and riders did not take kindly to one another. You supposed you and Nemrys now made the exception.

As you entered the halls of the castle, a draft brushed your exposed skin and you shivered. Pulling Jungkook’s clothes tighter, you considered the excuse he’d fed to Jimin.

“You said Nemrys saw me from the sky,” you said, breaking the silence.

Jungkook looked your way in surprise. “Should I have said something different? You did not seem inclined to discuss your injury out there.”

“No, you are correct. However, I now find myself wondering how did you see me this morning? Did you follow me from the castle, Your Majesty?”

Coming to a halt at the next corner, Jungkook turned sideways to face you.

His gaze flickered in torchlight. “Are you accusing me of following you?”

"Merely asking.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “If you must know, I was also out for my morning ride. I saw a Mor scout and had tracked them back to that mountain when I saw you get shot.”

“How very convenient,” you said, lifting your chin.

A muscle in his jaw ticked, stepping closer. “Is it?” he murmured. “I find it tiresome to have my honor continually called into question, Your Majesty.”

“Can you blame me?” you said. “You have kept many secrets from me, it would seem. Some are more substantial than others.”

“I also saved your life.”

“A debt I am well-aware of.”

A door creaked open down the hall.

“Oh – I am sorry,” a chestnut-haired man said, peeking out. “I heard arguing and wanted to make sure no one needed my help. Carry on!”

The man was about to duck back inside, when Jungkook held up a hand.

“Wait, Hoseok,” he said, not looking away from your gaze. “I need you to do something for me.”

The man – Hoseok, it seemed – paused halfway across the threshold. His gaze slid to yours, clearly recognizing you for who you were.

“Are you sure?” he asked slowly.

Jungkook nodded, turning on his heel as he strode down the hall. You were left with no choice but to follow, glaring daggers at his retreating backside. Something about the King made your blood boil, making you see red as you traveled in his footsteps.

“This is my healer, Jung Hoseok,” Jungkook said, coming to a stop. “Hoseok, this is the Queen of Ashya. I would appreciate it if you looked at her shoulder.”

Hoseok hesitated, glancing past Jungkook to you. After a moment, he nodded and stepped inside. 

“Of course,” he said with a bow. “Please, come in.”

Inclining your head, you walked past Jungkook to enter. The space past him was tidy, though there was not much light to see by, aside from the fireplace. Possibly the room had belonged to an Ashyan healer, although you could not be certain. You rarely traveled into the guest wing.

Once Jungkook had joined you, Hoseok crossed the room to pull open a cabinet. Rummaging around, he set several jars on the counter.

Jungkook lingered by the door, leaning a shoulder to the wall to stare at the healer.

Deciding the best thing to do was ignore him, you glanced away. One minute the King was tender, binding your wounds with the utmost of care and the next, he seemed ready to bite your head off. It was maddening.

Glancing around, you took in herbs, linen, and jars of salve. On the hearth was a fire, crackling merrily beneath a large, copper pot. The scents of witch hazel and thyme filled the room, a natural antiseptic.

“Hoseok is the best healer in Duret Ghal,” Jungkook said, by way of introduction.

Hoseok snorted. “I do not know about that,” he said as he turned around.

“Careful.” Jungkook arched a brow. “Her Majesty may take you at your word and see an Ashyan healer instead.”

Hoseok made an unbecoming sound before he looked up, stricken. “I did not mean insult, Your Majesty,” he said, a bit panicked. “It is only –”

“It is alright,” you interrupted. “None of my healers are accustomed to wounds healed by magic. I would prefer you look at my wound, regardless of what you have to say about Ashya.”

Hoseok shot Jungkook a surprised glance, who nodded.

“The Queen’s wounds were severe,” Jungkook said quietly. “An iron bolt to the shoulder while in dragon form. She crashed through the forest and shifted on impact. Had lost a lot of blood when I arrived.”

“I see.” Hoseok glanced your way, sympathetic. “I am so sorry to hear it, Your Majesty.”

With anyone else, you might have thought the words sounded patronizing, but not with Hoseok. He had an earnest way about him; you imagined he couldn’t tell a lie to save his soul.

“I would not care to repeat the experience,” you admitted.

Briskly, Hoseok scanned your body. “Left shoulder?”

Surprised, you said, “Yes.”

He nodded, rolling up his sleeves to walk around the table. An empty jar stayed behind on the counter, the flames from the hearth casting flickering light on the floor.

Hoseok stopped. “In order to evaluate your arm, I will need you to remove the tunic, Your Majesty. Is this alright?”

You nodded, then glanced at Jungkook.

Cheeks a bit pink, he seemed to take the hint. “I will take my leave,” Jungkook said, his hand fumbling for the door. “Should you have further need of me, Your Majesty, you may send Hoseok to find me.”

“Which might be rather difficult,” Hoseok observed. “Given Hoseok is currently tending to Her Majesty’s injury.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes but hid a smile as he left. The door fell shut behind him, leaving you and Hoseok in total silence. With a rueful smile, he glanced your way.

“Apologies,” he said with a shrug. “Jungkook and I grew up together, so we tend to forget our formalities when others are present.”

“We?” you said, arching a brow. “It seemed you were the only one forgetting your manners, healer Jung.”

Hoseok’s eyes widened, unsure how to respond until you laughed.

“I am sorry,” you said with a smile. “It is cruel to tease when you do not know my nature.”

Hoseok paused before throwing his head back to laugh. Eyes shining, he wagged a finger in your direction as he walked away. “You are funny,” he said, pulling out a bowl. “It is no wonder the King seems to enjoy your company.”

“Is that so?”

Hoseok seemed not to hear your question, selecting some linen to lay on the counter. “There is a partition in the corner,” he said, nodding towards it. “Fabric is laid on the stool, so you can wrap it around your midsection for modesty.”

The partition was barely more than a folding screen, but it did the trick. Stripping free from Jungkook’s tunic, you folded it neatly and placed it on the stool. Winding the fabric around your breasts, you covered them tightly and stepped outside.

Glancing up as you exited, Hoseok set down his work. “You may sit on the stool,” he instructed. “That will do for the examination.”

Taking a seat, you waited for Hoseok to come around the counter. Gently, he took your wrist and turned it this way and that. Raising your arm, he examined its mobility until he seemed satisfied. Deft fingers moved up your arm, applying gentle pressure to several key points. When you failed to react, he prodded deeper.

Aside from the occasional twinge, you felt nothing unusual. After a while, Hoseok took a step back and nodded approval.

“Jungkook did a good job,” he said as he turned away.

“Is that all?”

“Not quite.” Hoseok stepped behind his table. “I will make you a salve, Your Majesty. This will ease any stiffness you may feel from the magical healing. Magic requires a great deal of energy, some of it yours. You may feel more tired than usual.”

“Oh,” you said, a bit thrown.

You had never questioned the toll of magic before. Yoongi had never complained about using his gift to help your council.

Pulling things from his cabinets, Hoseok began to mix and measure in a bowl. He was quiet for a while, content to do his work while you watched. After a while, he cleared his throat.

“I imagine it was a shock,” he said. “To be healed in such a manner.”

You stared at him a moment, unsure how to respond.

“It was… unexpected.”

Hoseok laughed as he looked up. “That is one way to put it,” he agreed. “The first time Jungkook healed me, I screamed like the veil was being torn apart. Thought he was trying to hex me.”

“Is such a thing even possible?” you said, smiling despite yourself.

Hoseok shrugged. “It seemed as likely as a rider having magic. I am sure Jungkook told you, but most in Duret Ghal are unaware of that particular secret.”

Silent, you nodded. Jungkook had, indeed, explained to you the image of magic in his homeland.

After a moment, Hoseok sighed. “The perceptions of Ghalians have changed greatly since the end of the Dragon Wars, but some of the fear remains. There are some who, no matter what we say, will believe magic and all Dragons are evil.”

“Not those His Majesty rides, though?”

Hoseok gave you a wry smile. “They do not view those dragons as the intelligent creatures you and I know them to be. Jungkook wishes to change that,” he said. “But it will be a difficult path. One he is determined to set upon.”

“I see.” You paused. “Forgive me for being blunt, but why are you telling me this?”

Hoseok resumed making the salve. “When Jungkook first revealed his magic to me, I was upset. He had lied. Kept something important from me for such a long time. It took me a while to understand that he, himself, did not always view his magic to be a gift.”

You stared at Hoseok a moment. 

Jungkook had seemed so confident when he healed you, and had always seemed different from the Ghalians who despised magic and Dragons. It had not occurred to you his reasons for keeping his magic a secret may have also been personal.

Hoseok was right. Changing perception within Duret Ghal would be difficult. Jungkook had taken a great risk by revealing his magic to you. A risk you did not wish to examine too closely for the moment.

“Is the examination finished?” you asked, rising from the stool.

Hoseok looked up in surprise. “Oh, yes. Feel free to get dressed, Your Majesty. I will finish this salve and send you on your way.”

You nodded and retreated behind the partition. Once you were no longer visible, you allowed yourself to fully breathe. Hoseok’s words painted a different picture of the Ghalian King. Magic had always been viewed as a gift in Ashya; you should have recognized the stigma elsewhere.

Unwinding the fabric from your torso, you returned to Jungkook’s clothing. His scent was everywhere, enveloping you fully.

It made you remember the ride with him on Nemrys, his body warm and solid behind you. Closing your eyes, you pushed this memory from mind. More and more, you found yourself considering Jungkook as a man instead of your enemy, and such thoughts were dangerous.

Fastening the belt, you stepped outside and found Hoseok waiting.

“Here,” he said, handing over a jar of salve. “If you need more, please send word and I shall bring it immediately.”

“You are too kind,” you said, accepting the bottle. “I appreciate your help, healer Jung.”

“Hoseok.”

“Hoseok,” you agreed with a nod.

Not wishing to overstay the welcome, you gave him a last smile and walked towards the door. One hand on the knob, you paused.

Hoseok looked up at your silence. “Yes?”

A thousand questions sprang to mind – silly, inane ones of no use to anyone. What Jungkook had been like as a child, why he’d once needed to heal Hoseok and reveal his magic. You found yourself wanting to know more, wanting to know him and again, this was dangerous.

“Nothing,” you said, pulling open the door. “Thank you again for your services.”

Hoseok nodded and smiled as you left the room. Amara was waiting for you in the hall, a fresh bundle of clothes in her arms.

“Thank Natal,” you sighed, taking the dress. “It would have caused a lot of talk had I worn the King’s clothing upstairs.”

Hiding her grin, Amara followed you inside the empty room across the corridor. Once the door was shut, she began to help you dress.

“Did you fall in a pond?” she asked innocently, tugging on your laces.

You winced while lifted your arms. “Nothing so exciting. I was caught unawares during my flight and needed to shift. My morning dress is still in the sheds, unfortunately.”

Amara nodded, finishing the final button as you turned around. “I will get it,” she said, gathering Jungkook’s clothes and the salve to exit the room.

Left alone with your thoughts, you hesitated a moment before following suit.

Jungkook had not waited for you.

You were not sure why this mattered. It didn’t – it should not and yet, you couldn’t stop the sinking feeling it somehow did. Shoving the feeling aside, you managed to seem unruffled by the time you reached your first meeting.

The day only grew longer from there.

When people imagined the duties of the crown, they typically thought of the more extraordinary parts. Being coronated, going to war, grand marshalling parades and the like.

The reality of ruling was far less glamorous. It was one tedious decision after another, with the most minute turn of phrase sparking ire or admiration. It was sitting through meeting after meeting while you listened to weather reports, updates from mines and concerns about a two and a half percent tariff still being too high.

By the time your meetings ended, the sun had long since sunk below the horizon. Wearily, you returned to your rooms and tried to forget the day. It did not seem possible only this morning, you’d feared for your life while bleeding out in the forest.

The only thing which drove you on was the thought of shutting yourself in your chambers, sinking into a bath and closing your eyes. A wish which seemed destined to be thwarted, you saw when you entered.

Min Yoongi had seated himself in an armchair by the fire, his expression steeled like a weapon of war.

“We need to talk,” he said simply.

Coming to a stop at the table, you inspected the salve Hoseok had made. He had not given any instructions on how to apply it, and you wondered if you should have Amara find out.

“Do we?” you said, lifting your gaze to his. “Need I remind you who amongst us wears the crown, Lord Yoongi?”

“And need I remind you which of us pays the other for their counsel?”

Hiding a smile, you pulled out a chair. As much as Ashya’s stability depended on your authority, you were not above thinking yourself impervious to counsel. If Yoongi had something he wished to speak to you about, it was likely important.

“Shall I guess what this is about?” you asked. “Or, are you going to eventually tell me?”

Yoongi did not waste your time. “What happened this morning?”

“I was injured during a flight.”

He made a noise of dismissal. “Are you truly telling me the Queen of Ashya was injured on a routine flight? That you spotted a Mor patrol and became so distracted, you crashed into a mountainside and dislocated your shoulder? Again,” he said, gaze hardening. “What happened?”

Slowly, you exhaled. “The truth is far less believable.”

“Try me.”

And so, you explained. Everything. Your flight this morning, the Mor patrol which had shot you down from the sky. The way you shifted to human before Jungkook arrived to heal you. You told Yoongi about Jungkook having magic, as did all riders. You explained about the different dragon lines, how they all had magic and were not unintelligent, as you had previously assumed.

Once you had finished, Yoongi stared at you and blinked. “That…” He shook his head. “Is equally insane, but at least you are now telling me the truth.”

He had questions then – many of them, and you soon settled into a familiar rhythm. Planning for different eventualities, laying out who to tell and when. Yoongi, along with Namjoon, were your sounding boards for strategy. When you’d given all the answers you could possibly provide, Yoongi fell silent, staring into the fire.

At last, he stood and walked towards the window. Pouring whiskey from a crystal decanter, he swirled this in one hand before he returned.

“This will change things,” Yoongi said, taking a sip of his drink.

“It will.”

“If what you say is true,” he said slowly. “We have acquired an entire new arsenal against Mor. Who knows what kinds of magic lie within their rider ranks? There has not been a healer born for many decades in Ashya.”

“Some of them will be passive powers,” you warned.

Yoongi waved a hand. “It is still a gift. Still magic. In all Jimin’s plans, he has only accounted for the gifts of humans between us. That number will now double! Triple, even.”

“His Majesty only revealed his magic to me because he was forced,” you countered. “We cannot count on them in upcoming battles with Mor. He could still decide otherwise.”

Yoongi gave you a look. “He said he was planning to reveal it after the treaty was signed, yes?”

“Yes, but –”

“But what, Your Majesty?” Yoongi’s eyes narrowed. “What reason do you have now not to trust the King? What lie could you possibly have prepared for me this evening?”

Freezing in place, you could only stare. Yoongi seldom spoke to you like this. For one, you were his Queen and for another, he usually understood you better than to yell.

After a moment, Yoongi sighed and shoved a hand through his hair. He looked tired, you realized. Hoseok’s words from earlier came to mind, about how magic required new energy. You wondered how much Yoongi had used his gift these past few weeks.

“I am sorry,” Yoongi said, and looked as though he meant it. “I did not mean to sound so harsh.”

Choosing not to respond, you waited instead for him to elaborate. Yoongi rarely said things without meaning them.

Closing his eyes, the dark of his lashes dusted paler cheekbones. The veins in his eyelids were prominent, stark against the rest of his skin.

“It can be exhausting to have a gift like mine,” Yoongi said quietly. “All day, I can sense other people’s emotions, yet cannot shut them out. It can be useful, but it is also tiresome. Oftentimes, I am not sure which emotions are mine. It is especially trying,” he said, eyes opening, “when someone continuously lies in my presence.”

“Me?” you said, taken aback. “When have I lied to you, Yoongi?”

Yoongi stared into his glass for a moment, seemingly weighing the consequences of whatever it was he had to say.

“Each time you say you do not wish to marry the King.”

You went still, staring at him from across the table. Within the confines of your chest, your heart began to beat faster.

“I do not mean you are lying on purpose,” Yoongi said, then paused. “Or maybe you are. It can be hard for me to tell. All I know is your emotions are murky each time you speak, as though you are battling something inside.”

“You think… I desire to marry His Majesty?”

Yoongi considered for a minute. “I do not know,” he admitted.

“And yet, you presume to know a great deal,” you said, drumming your fingers on the table. “Why would I turn the King down if I wished to marry him?”

“I am sure I could not say.”

“Hazard a guess.”

Yoongi’s eyes narrowed. “Fine.” He took a long sip of his drink. “When you are around Jungkook, your emotions get lighter. Happier. And yet, there is sorrow as well. I do not know if this is because of His Majesty, or the idea of marriage itself.”

Staring at Yoongi, you refused to move. He was dangerously close to hitting upon something important. Something you’d worked tirelessly to hide, even from yourself.

“Is it Leo?” Yoongi asked, a bit gentler. “Do you still love him?”

Yoongi had not served with you in the army, but he knew about your former love. Early on in your reign, you’d asked Yoongi to go about certain steps to protect Leo from harm.

“No,” you exhaled. “It has been a long time since I chose my path, and he chose his.”

“Pride, then. Perhaps you do not like the idea of ruling beside someone else.”

“It is not that,” you muttered.

“Hm.” Yoongi tilted his head. “That is the truth.”

“Stop doing that,” you said with a roll of your eyes.

“Perhaps it is the idea of losing your independence, then. Or possibly…” Yoongi paused as something seemed to occur to him. “Ah.”

“What? What is it?”

“It is the mating bond, is it not?”

Going utterly still, you stared at him from across the table.

“Y/N,” Yoongi said softly. “Not all marriages occur with a mating bond. Not all loves do, either. And it is still possible Jungkook could be your mate. Humans have mated with Dragons before. It is not impossible for him to–”

Realizing what he meant then, a laugh left your lips. It sounded bitter, even to you. Yoongi thought you didn’t want to marry Jungkook because he wasn’t your mate. He thought you wanted to marry for love, when the truth was the exact opposite.

“I know it is possible,” you gasped, interrupting. “I know it is possible because Jungkook is my mate, Yoongi. I have known this fact since I was seventeen and visited him for the treaty.”

Yoongi’s eyes widened as you pressed on.

“I felt it even then,” you whispered, the words pouring out. “It was hardly anything at that age, barely more than a brush of energy against my skin, but… I knew. I knew the mating bond lay between us.”

Silence fell between you, the weight of what you’d said settling over the table. Eventually, Yoongi managed to shake himself free from his stupor.

“Then what is the problem?” he demanded. “If you two are mates, surely this is even more reason for you to accept his proposal. It must be a sign from Natal.”

Jaw clenched, you looked away. The mere thought of accepting the bond brought a dull roar to your ears, twisting your insides into knots. You could never forget what occurred after your trip to Duret Ghal, nor the solemn vow you had made at your coronation.

“I cannot marry him,” you said stiffly.

Incredulity entered Yoongi’s gaze. “But Y/N –”

“I cannot,” you said, turning your head. “Yoongi, you know as well as I do how bonds like this end. How it looks, how it feels for someone to lose their mate. I vowed when I accepted the crown it would be the only constant in my life.”

Pity filled Yoongi’s gaze as realization dawned.

“Y/N,” he said after a long moment. “You are not your father.”

The silence in the room drew as taut as a bowstring.

“It killed him,” you whispered. “The loss of my mother killed my father. You know this to be true. It may have taken him five years, but from the moment she died, he began to die as well. I cannot – I will not – do that to myself, or to Ashya.”

Yoongi stared at you a moment before he looked away.

It was a silent truth acknowledged throughout the Kingdom. Dragons had a long lifespan, but the mating bond was something other and strange. It only occurred once in a lifetime and was a love so deep, so true that to lose one’s mate was to lose oneself.

Your father had tried, at least. He’d stayed alive for you, for his Kingdom, but it had not been enough in the end. After five years of trying, he’d finally given in.

It was why you’d enlisted after your mother’s death. You had seen how her loss was killing your father and could not bear to be around for the process.

When you finally returned to accept the crown, you’d made your vow. The same fate would not befall you. You would not become your father and leave Ashya at risk. You would not accept the mating bond – which meant you would not accept Jungkook.

Even if every fiber of your being wished to do so.

Jungkook was not yet fully your mate. He needed to be aware of the bond, for one and you needed to accept it, for another. Tendrils already existed, but it was not the same thing as the full bond in place. Once you accepted, there would be no return.

“Not everyone views their mate as a bad thing,” Yoongi said quietly.

Startled, you looked up. “They are fools, then.”

He frowned at his glass. “Are we not all fools in love, though?”

“Precisely the reason I do not care to accept it.”

Smiling sadly, Yoongi lifted his drink and drained the rest. His expression shifted from resignation to thoughtfulness while he set down his glass.

“They say the loss of a mate is akin to ripping one’s heart from their chest,” he mused. “They say it is an unbearable pain, one which cannot be endured.”

“Are you trying to help me?”

He paused. “I only wonder… for such unimaginable pain, there must be unimaginable beauty before it. What could be so wonderful that to be without it would be close to death?” Yoongi shook his head. “Maybe the loss of a mate has no parallel because its happiness has no parallel, either.”

Struck by this statement, you looked into the fire.

“It is not a bad thing to want happiness, Your Majesty.”

Brow furrowed, you continued to stare at the leaping flames. It was not a bad thing to want happiness, but the mating bond had never meant such a thing to you.

Not until Jungkook. When he had arrived a week prior, you’d kept him at arm’s length for two reasons. One had been his title and Duret Ghal’s legacy, but the other had been self-preservation.

You could not miss what you did not know. Unfortunately, each passing day brought you closer together and you feared when he left, it would tear your heart from your chest.

Still, it was better than accepting him as your mate.

Yoongi stood from the table and stretched his arms overhead. Looking up, you appreciated the silence he gave you. The truth of the bond was something you hadn’t told anyone. To share it with him felt like a weight lifted.

“There are more negotiations tomorrow,” Yoongi said, returning to business. “With the secret of the riders’ magic revealed, we will need to factor this into our military discussions.”

“Agreed,” you said quietly.

Yoongi considered you a moment longer before he turned around. As he reached the door, Yoongi paused on the threshold.

“I understand your hesitance, Your Majesty,” he said quietly. “I would not blame you if you decided not to accept him. It is only for your happiness I urge you to reconsider. Not all of us are gifted with a mate,” he said simply, and walked out the door.

As the door shut behind him, you stared at the wood.

You remained seated for some time, listening to your heartbeat, and imagining it entwined with someone else’s. This was the second secret of yours only Yoongi knew.

The other was you hadn’t wanted to accept the throne at all.

When your father had died, you’d been content to stay in the armed forces, living a life of anonymity while you served Ashya. You had planned on relinquishing the crown, but Yoongi had known and convinced you to return. He’d been the one to talk some sense into you, saying if you truly wished to serve Ashya, you’d do so best in the role you’d been born into – as its Queen.

Duty had been thrust upon you sooner than it should have; yet another reason why you resented the bond. You should not have become Queen when you did. You should not have had to accept the burden so soon and yet, you had. It had been the right course and you deeply loved this nation.

It was why you refused to put Ashya through such a thing again.

And yet, you could not help but think upon Yoongi’s words. It was not a bad thing to want happiness for yourself.

After a long time, you roused yourself from the table and went to bed.

The first time you’d felt the bond had been at the cliffs, although you had not realized what it was at the time.

It had only been later, in the middle of Duret Ghal’s gardens, you understood the gravity of what you felt for Jungkook. Or rather, what you one day might feel.

After the day you spent riding, you’d began to notice Jungkook’s presence more and more. He could usually be found in one of two places – in the palace library or out on his dragon, Nemrys. You had found yourself watching for him, somehow attuned to his presence.

Even with all this, the magnitude had not stricken you until the night of the ball. On the last night of your trip, Duret Ghal decided to celebrate both your betrothal and the anticipated treaty. No expense had been spared for the evening. Even now, you remembered the sounds of the orchestra playing, chandeliers bright above as the people laughed and danced.

At some point, you’d searched for the Prince and found him no longer inside. Curious, your search had led you out the northern doors, onto a patio which overlooked the gardens below.

Duret Ghal had been colder than Ashya, but during the summer the evening air had been pleasantly cool. Wandering away from the castle, you’d drifted amongst the flowers until you came upon him.

Jungkook had faced away from you, his hands clasped behind his back while he watched the tree above with its delicate, orange blossoms. His eyes had been closed; wayward, dark strands of hair blown over his face.

Realizing you’d intruded upon a personal moment, you turned to take your leave, and stepped on a twig. 

Jungkook’s eyes had flown open and when he saw you, he smiled.

The sight sent such simmering warmth through your chest, you’d nearly stopped breathing. White-hot energy blazed across your skin, brightening the world while you basked in his gaze.

That had been the moment you realized. Jungkook was your mate.

“I – I am sorry,” you’d stammered, turning to leave. “I am intruding–”

“Not at all.” Jungkook’s gaze sought yours in darkness. “Please. Stay.”

After a moment of consideration, you had acquiesced. The closer you moved, the more aware you’d become of his energy. Suddenly, all the wives’ tales and legends about mating made sense. The bond had been real, and you felt it for Jungkook.

Jungkook had smiled at you, then returned to the flowers. “Were you also tired of the people gathered inside?” 

“Yes,” you’d murmured.

None of the people inside had been him.

Forcing yourself to look up, you had focused on the tree. It was not a species native to Ashya; its delicate, floral scent was unfamiliar. Between its boughs, the night stars had peered down. Legends said stars were where Natal’s veil was thinnest and otherworldly magic seeped through the cracks. You liked to imagine stars held some kinship to dragons.

Jungkook had cleared his throat. “I must admit,” he’d said. “You are not at all what I imagined you to be.”

“No?”

You had turned sideways to face him in the moonlight.

“Not that it is a bad thing, mind you.”

Heart racing, you you’d smiled. Jungkook had looked your way, his expression gentle in the light from above.

“It is not?” you had whispered.

Turning fully to face you, Jungkook had stepped closer. His right hand flexed at his side, as though he had yearned to reach out and touch you.

“No,” he’d admitted.

His gaze had dropped to your lips.

Your throat had gone dry. “What were you expecting?”

“I do not know,” he’d said. “I thought I might resent you. For taking away my choice to marry. For forcing me to become King before I was ready. For reminding me duty will always be greater than our happiness.”

Each word he said had sunk your heart like a stone. It had been how you’d felt at the start of your journey, but perhaps not then.

“Now though,” he’d said, and you lifted your gaze.

“Now?”

Without quite meaning to, you’d drifted closer. The space between you had lessened to several inches, the heat from his body near-tangible.

“Now,” Jungkook had said, barely audible. “I find myself intrigued by what the future will hold.”

Before you could respond to this, before you could say you felt the same, a shout had echoed throughout the gardens.

“Prince Jungkook!” someone had called.

Springing apart, your heart had protested the movement. You had known then exactly who Jungkook was. He was your mate, your betrothed and for a fleeting moment, the world seemed a magical place.

One month following, his Uncle had staged his rebellion.

Soon after, you’d learned what the mating bond truly meant.

The world had not seemed quite so wondrous after that.

“So.” Jimin arched a brow. “I assume you have brought us out at this unseemly hour to do more than stare at one another through the mist, Your Majesty.”

Giving Jimin a withering look, you chose not to respond.

Yesterday had been full of meetings with little importance to the Ghalian treaty. After telling Yoongi of your vow and bond, you’d found yourself more aware of Jungkook’s presence than ever before.

Everything which had taken place over the past forty-eight hours resulted in three facts. The first being, you could not afford to spend more time in the King’s presence. Already, your façade of indifference was crumbling and would only worsen as time went on.

Second, Mor had become bolder in their travels north. It would only be a matter of time before war arrived on your borders. You needed to be prepared.

Which led you to your third point. Jungkook’s reveal of magic could turn the tide of the war; it needed to be factored into your discussions as soon as possible. Which was why you’d asked Jungkook to bring whomever he deemed appropriate to the field this morning.

Glancing around, you found Jungkook looking back. He was dressed in his flying leathers again, simple armor reinforced at the joints with lighter metal. No breastplate, his hair unadorned and a broadsword strapped firmly across his back.

He’d brought Taehyung with him, along with the woman rider you’d seen at the feast and Lord Seokjin. The last one had surprised you, since you hadn’t thought Seokjin a rider. From Ashya, you’d brought Jimin, Namjoon and Yoongi.

“We are not here to stare,” you explained to Jimin. “But to fly.”

Jimin hesitated. “With each other,” he clarified.

It was not a question but a statement, and the woman rider across the circle seemed to share in his sentiment. She stared distrustfully at the group gathered on your side.

Yoongi squinted up at the sky. “Why am I here, then?” he wondered aloud.

“To observe,” you informed.

“Scintillating,” he said, looking down.

Namjoon laughed as several other people attempted to hide their smiles. Ignoring all this, you focused instead on Jungkook’s delegation.

“I believe I have met everyone except you,” you said, looking at the woman.

“Maia,” she said, boldly meeting your gaze. “I am a rider in His Majesty’s forces.”

“One of our best,” Jungkook added, as Taehyung nodded.

Maia had large, dark eyes and short hair bound in a plait down her neck. Her features were pretty, delicate in contrast to her hardened exterior. You respected her for being in the delegation but found yourself appreciating her even more for her no-nonsense response.

Nodding once, you looked away. The pride in Jungkook’s voice when he spoke had not escaped you; nor had the way Maia glanced in his direction, as though pleased by the mention.

Jungkook was not yours to want, you reminded yourself. You’d made sure of this with the vow you continued to uphold. Still, you felt your jaw clench as you refocused on your surroundings.

“Is this a serious request?” Jimin asked in disbelief. “You truly wish for us to fly alongside the riders.”

Pointedly, Seokjin cleared his throat. “I believe it is not considered polite to question the Queen’s sanity in her presence?”

Jimin glanced at him, stunned as Yoongi started to laugh. His smile widened, eyes nearly disappearing when Jimin turned to face him, incensed.

“What?” Yoongi snorted. “That was funny.”

“Regardless,” you said, a bit louder. “There is much to discuss. His Majesty has shared information about the riders, their dragons and what they can do which may change the battle against Mor.”

Maia’s glanced at Jungkook in disbelief, and she was not the only one. Taehyung also turned his head sharply, which surprised you. You had thought Jungkook would tell his general he’d revealed his magic in the woods.

It appeared not. Seokjin was the only one who did not look surprised, examining the nails on the back of his hand.

“What the riders can do,” Namjoon said, picking up on the key phrase. “I assume you refer to something other than flying, Your Majesty?”

“I do, yes.”

When you looked at Jungkook, he nodded.

“She is referring to our ability to use magic,” he explained. “The bond which links rider to dragon allows us to do more than just ride them. It grants us access to their magic, similar to humans who are born with a gift.”

Namjoon’s eyes widened, as did Jimin’s.

Both listened as Jungkook went on to explain the history of dragons and magic on the continent. When Jungkook healed a paper cut Namjoon had on his thumb, your advisor gasped and looked on in wonder.

“A healer.” He shook his head. “Truly amazing. How large of an injury can you heal?” Namjoon asked, and you knew he was already thinking ahead to battle.

Someone like Jungkook behind the front lines, healing soldiers as they were injured, could provide an untold advantage.

“He healed me in the woods the other day,” you informed them. “A Mor patrol shot me down with a crossbow, and His Majesty saved my life.”

Jimin’s eyes widened. “It would seem we are in your debt then, Your Majesty,” he told Jungkook, seeming displeased by the thought.

Jungkook merely shook his head.

“Let us not speak of debt, Jimin,” you said before Jungkook could speak. “If we are to work together, we must stop thinking of our relationship as a ledger. Instead, we must learn to work as a unit.”

Yoongi arched a brow, clearly amused by your shifted stance.

“Hence our flying this morning,” Jungkook agreed.

Looking his way, you nodded.

This was what you’d decided after your conversation with Yoongi. Although you had not changed your mind about accepting Jungkook’s proposal, the least you could do was set aside your own differences. If you chose not to accept him as your mate, that was your decision – but first and foremost, you were Ashya’s Queen.

You had made a vow to do whatever you could for your country, and this meant working closely with the Ghalians.

“Is it only healing magic?” Namjoon asked, sounding curious. “Or are there other kinds?”

Rather than answer, Jungkook looked at Taehyung, who rolled up his sleeves. Walking out of the circle, he came to a stop several paces away.

“There are other kinds of magic,” Taehyung said, and it was one of the first times you’d ever heard him speak.

Taehyung’s voice had a deep, earthen quality. It was soothing, rhythmic and you stared at him with interest as he spread his hands.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then Taehyung closed his eyes and storm clouds began to gather. You stared at the sky as it darkened, russet-tipped thunderheads swirling overhead. As the wind whipped his hair, Taehyung opened his eyes and you saw they’d turned silver.

A bolt of lightning shot from his palms, lighting the sky above a deep purple. He let the tempest continue until his point had been made. Then, teeth gritted, Taehyung lowered his arms and allowed the clouds to disperse. As quickly as they’d come, the clouds disappeared, leaving only mist and the rising sun.

Everyone from Ashya stared.

“His dragon is a stormmaker,” Jungkook explained. “It is rare for one of their kind to bond with a human. It has not happened within living memory.”

Yoongi was the first to regain himself. “Do all riders have magic?”

“No,” answered Maia. “It is similar to when a Dragon and human have a child. The child does not always have a gift. It is the same with riders and dragons. I, for example, have no magic.”

“Yes, but you have a dragon,” Yoongi pointed out, which made her smile.

“I do have that,” she acknowledged.

Almost sheepish, Taehyung rejoined the circle with his hands in his pockets. His gaze had returned to dark brown, but you could not seem to shake the memory of silver. It was a tremendous power you could use on the battlefield.

Abruptly, you turned to Jungkook. “How were you planning to keep that a secret?” you demanded, waving a hand. “I should think it would have been obvious once your rider started throwing lightning around.”

“Hence why we planned on explaining after the treaty,” Jungkook said mildly.

“All this time.” Namjoon finally found his voice. “Magic in Duret Ghal has been passed down by the riders, not Dragons?”

“Both,” Seokjin corrected. “Riders cannot pass on their magic to their children. It is only the offspring of Dragon and human who can be born with gifts. Like your advisor,” he said, nodding to Yoongi.

Yoongi arched a brow. You had not spoken openly about his magical abilities, but you supposed word got around.

Namjoon continued to frown. “Most peculiar,” he said slowly. “When a shapeshifting Dragon mates with a human, their offspring can inherit one of many magical gifts. Not just shapeshifting.”

“Uzza, my dragon, has a theory about that,” Taehyung offered. “He believes dragons have a more fixed nature than humans. When magic is passed down through dragons, it remains the same, but with humans… we are more fluid.” He paused, then shrugged. “Magic becomes whatever form the human is closest to.”

“Fascinating,” Namjoon breathed.

“Which is why I asked the King and his riders to join us this morning,” you announced. “Once the treaty is finalized, we will fight together against Mor. It is time we learned how to use everything in our arsenal.”

Jimin, who had remained silent throughout the demonstration, finally nodded.

Despite his personal feelings towards Duret Ghal, he would always place Ashya above all else. If the magic of the riders was something you could use to your advantage, Jimin would be the one who figured out how to do it.

Still, you knew this must hurt. You were not the only one who noticed Jimin’s reticence. Taehyung had been watching your commander from across the circle, and he now cocked his head as he took a step forward.

“You are Park Jimin, are you not?” he asked.

Jimin met Taehyung’s gaze. “I am.”

Taehyung nodded. “I have heard stories of you, both on and off the battlefield. Neither of us led our respective armies when your father was killed,” he said, a bit quieter. “But all the same, I am sorry for your loss.”

Jimin’s eyes glinted. “Sorrow does not bring back the dead.”

“No, it does not.”

Jimin stared at him a moment, until some of the anger faded from his gaze. Finally, he looked at the castle and exhaled.

“Are we to fly this morning?” he asked, returning to you. “If we are, we should probably go before the sun gets too high.”

You nodded, uncertain what had just transpired.

“We should leave, then.” Jimin turned away. “I will need to know the full capabilities of your riders. General Kim,” he called out as he walked. “Can you control the lightning, or merely call it?”

Taehyung fell into step alongside him, discussing strategy as they left the field. You watched them go, amazed Jimin had released his past so easily.

Namjoon sighed. “Must I fly as well, Your Majesty?”

You hid a smile. “If you truly wish to stay on the ground…”

Grumbling beneath his breath, Namjoon turned to follow Jimin across the field. You knew you should go as well, but something within seemed to hold you back.

“And what about you?” you asked, glancing at Seokjin. “Are you a rider?”

Seokjin grimaced. “No, Your Majesty. My mother sent me to the bonding ceremony, but all I succeeded in was falling off several dragons.”

“It is where we met though,” Jungkook said, jumping in. “I admired his honesty and wit. Enough that, when I became King, I requested Lord Seokjin be appointed to my closest court.”

“His honesty has been well-noted,” Yoongi said drily.

Maia laughed, her features losing some of their earlier tension. Yoongi glanced her way in surprise, a pleased flush spreading across his cheeks.

In the background, the steady beat of wings filled the air. When you turned, you saw Jimin in Dragon form rising above the sheds. His scales were a dazzling gold, sparkling as he flew across the morning sun.

Taehyung had joined atop his dragon, Uzza. Uzza had scales of slate grey, faded to blue along his spine and his shoulders.

As you watched them both fly, a bout of longing swept through you. Seeing a rider and Dragon fly alongside one another had not been something deemed possible before.

Their wings were swiftly drowned out by Nemrys’ arrival, who circled once overhead before landing beside Jungkook. Bowing, you kept your gaze fixed on his. Nemrys inclined his head in turn, then released a snort.

Jungkook grinned. “He wishes to know if you plan on being shot again.”

Rolling your eyes, you turned to walk away. Jungkook laughed at the sight, the sound of it echoing as you crossed the field.

Once inside a shed, you stripped quickly from your gown and laid this on the bench. Only a few days ago, you’d assumed dragons mostly unintelligent and now, one of them was insulting you. The realization made you smile.

It made the world seem wider, somehow. As though more things were possible than you’d previously thought.

Shifting quickly to Dragon form, you lifted from the ground and hovered above the sheds. In the distance, you could see Taehyung alongside Jimin on his dragon. Glancing west, you spotted Namjoon and Maia rising to join them.

Namjoon’s scales were a deep purple, a jewel-tone Ashyan miners would envy. Maia’s dragon, whom you did not know the name of, was a grey pale enough to be confused with blue. As you flew towards their group, Taehyung pointed from his dragon, Uzza.

Craning your neck, you saw Jungkook on the ground. He watched from below, wind whipping his hair as Nemrys beat his wings. Leaning down, he murmured something to Nemrys, who bent his legs and took off. Far below, you heard Seokjin whoop.

With a roar, Jimin dove towards the ground. Taehyung followed suit, along with Namjoon and Maia. Once Jungkook had reached you atop Nemrys, you joined in the show.

It was strange to fly as a group. Dragons were solitary creatures, only banding together when necessary for survival. When you did fly with others, you communicated through a combination of flame and roars, signaling what direction you were about to take.

Soaring higher, you turned your head and saw Jungkook beside you. From the back of Nemrys, he grinned and something warm bloomed in your chest. You recalled what it felt like to fly with him, against him. Something within you ached to feel this again.

This was not the time to reminisce though, so you attempted to focus on the moment at hand. That first flight didn’t last long – you were still monarchs, after all, and the day remained before you. Still, your heart felt lighter when you landed on the ground.

For a first foray between nations, things had gone relatively smoothly. Even Yoongi seemed pleased by the progress, speaking with Taehyung and Jimin as they returned to the castle. The success of today made the impossible seem possible.

Including some things you’d never let yourself imagine.

Jungkook’s face while he flew, his eyes bright and smile wide, played like a loop again and again in your mind.

After another full day of negotiations, the treaty between you and Duret Ghal began to come together. It was a good thing, since Jungkook and his delegation would leave in the next couple of days.

Preparing for sleep that night, you reached for the jar of salve Hoseok had given you and found it empty. You’d applied it every morning and night, whenever the muscle ached, or you found yourself tired. It had helped a great deal, so now you hesitated. Flying this morning had been strenuous on your muscles.

Amara had left, gone to visit her family in the city for the evening. In her absence, you strode across your room and opened the door to the hall. You instructed one of your guards to bring the empty jar to Hoseok and ask for a refill.

While you waited for them to return, you changed into a nightgown and robe. You had just finished washing your face when a knock came from the hall. Expecting the guard returned with your salve, you strode from your chambers and pulled open the door.

You found yourself face to face not with a guard, but with Jungkook.

“Your Majesty,” you said, freezing in place. “I – to what do I owe this pleasure?”

Jungkook stared at you for a moment, then pulled a jar from behind his back. “I brought the salve from Hoseok,” he said. “I heard you were in need of more.”

“I am.” You blinked. “But you did not need to do that.”

His gaze searched yours, lingering when he dropped to your parted robe. Although you wore a nightgown beneath, you were suddenly aware of the sheer material.

Hastily, you closed the robe tighter.

Cheeks reddening, Jungkook looked up. “It was no trouble,” he said, only to pause. “May I come in, Your Majesty? I do have something I wish to discuss.”

“Ah, so there is an ulterior motive.”

Despite the humor in your voice, you hesitated. Glancing past him, you saw your guards and decided whatever Jungkook had to say, it was best to hear it in private.

“Alright,” you said, stepping aside. “You may come in.”

Surprise crossed his face, though it quickly disappeared. Nodding his thanks, Jungkook entered the room as you shut the door. You stared at it for a moment, gathering your courage before you turned around.

You’d brought many men to your chambers over the years. Yoongi had been in here only the other night, but something about Jungkook’s presence felt different. He was too big, taking up a space no one else could.

Perhaps it was this bond you felt for him, this tingling down your spine at having him so near. Your very soul ached for him, even as you denied him.

Jungkook wandered inside, taking in the décor. A fireplace took up much of the north wall, light flickering over the rug at your feet.

Coming to a stop at the table, Jungkook set down the jar.

“Why did you come?” you asked quietly.

Turning around, Jungkook found your gaze.

You realized the very real danger you were in. Not because Jungkook was your mate. He was, yes, but it was so much more than that. You genuinely enjoyed his company. You found yourself listening for his remarks when you sat by his side, trying not to laugh whenever he made a joke.

It was hard to separate the supernatural from the natural when it came to Jungkook. In a world where mates did not exist and souls were cast adrift, you thought you might have loved him even then. 

Perhaps this was the true magic of the mating bond, after all. Rather than let you wonder, Natal brought you an equal, someone who’d uplift your spirit rather than drag you under.

“You asked for additional salve,” Jungkook said again.

“I did.” You cocked your head. “A servant could have brought that, though – or Hoseok, if he chose.”

“Indeed, he could have.”

A shadow crossed Jungkook’s expression at this, gone before it could be fully realized. He took a step closer, skirting the table to come to a stop. With his height what it was, you were forced to look upwards to see him.

“The soldiers Jimin sent to search the mountains returned this afternoon,” Jungkook informed you. “They found no other Mor patrols so close to Ashya.”

“That is good to know,” you said with a nod. “We will need all the time we can to formulate a plan of attack.”

Thus far, Mor had made no overt advances against you. There had been skirmishes on the southern border, a few miles gained or lost with occasional pushes, but nothing serious. Mor’s full army remained within their own land, biding their days until they chose to strike.

It was only a matter of time before things boiled over. It made sense for Jungkook to discuss Mor’s movements with you, but he’d never visited your chambers to do so before.

“Is there something else you came here to say?” 

Jungkook arched a brow. “Is it possible I might have come simply to enjoy your presence?”

“You could have.”

“Then, what is the problem?”

“The problem,” you said, narrowing your gaze, “is you seem to be the kind of person who says one thing and means another.”

His gaze darkened. “I suppose you would know, Your Majesty.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Rather than answer this, Jungkook turned away. Staring out the window, he seemed to consider his words before he turned back.

“You are a conundrum, Your Majesty,” he said at last.

You sniffed. “That sounds like something a man might say when he does not understand a woman.”

“You are right,” Jungkook said lowly. “For I do not understand you at all.”

This made you blink. It was your own words from the night of the feast, thrown back in your face.

“In what way?” you demanded.

“We knew each other before, and yet you pretend to be strangers. You fight so valiantly for your own kind and yet, keep them at arm’s length. You decline my proposal of marriage,” he said, taking a step closer, “and yet, you consider a political union with another.”

You stared at him for a moment, utterly thrown. “A union with whom?”

“Lord Declan.”

A laugh escaped before you could help it. “Lord Declan is not my betrothed.”

“He tells people he is.”

“Then he is a liar,” you ground out.

Jungkook paused. “Did you consider his offer?”

“I considered your offer, as well.”

“Which you declined.”

“I shall decline him as well, should he ever gather the courage to actually ask me.”

Jungkook hesitated at this, curiosity entering his gaze.

“Why, though?” he asked, a tad softer. “Why decline everyone who asks for your hand? Is there someone else? The man who taught you to sign in the army, perhaps.”

At this, your eyes widened. “How did you know?”

“Merely a guess,” Jungkook said quietly.

Looking abruptly away, he rubbed his thumb to his forefinger in an anxious gesture. You wished he would stop. The gesture made him seem far too human, far too genuine, and tempting and true.

Before you could consider the ramifications, you said, “I do not love someone else.”

You were not sure why you said it. Certainly, it would have been easier for Jungkook to think your heart belonged to another and yet, you could not bear to watch the light fade from his eyes.

Jungkook turned his head to see you. “So, it is me, then,” he said quietly.

“No. And also, yes.”

He frowned. “Clear as mud, Your Majesty.”

You laughed, although there was no humor to it. “What do you expect me to say? That you have convinced me after a week of interactions? That I am awed by your presence, Your Majesty? Is this what you seek in return for healing me in the forest? My hand in marriage?”

Jungkook looked stricken. “No,” he breathed. “Not that. Never that. I would never demand such a thing.”

Something in you softened at his sincerity.

“Then, what?” you asked quietly. “What is it?”

“I just… I wish you would tell me why.”

Unable to meet his gaze, you glanced away. It was a fair question. Jungkook had been nothing but good in the time he’d been here. It occurred to you suddenly that by choosing not to mate, you were taking away his one chance at the bond, as well.

Slowly, you turned back to face him. “I made a vow,” you said, so soft you could hardly hear. “When I became Queen, I vowed I would never marry. It is not something I can turn my back on.”

It was a half-truth, but enough for now.

Jungkook’s brow furrowed. “Why would you make such a vow?”

“Many reasons,” you said. “The main being I wish to belong only to myself and my country. Anything else, and I would do my people a disservice. When I accepted the crown, I said Ashya would always come first.”

The way Jungkook was staring at you made you feel on display, as though he saw through to your very soul and knew what you were made of.

“It is a tricky slope, is it not?” he said at last, stepping closer.

This step brought him within touching distance, the heat of his body seeming to reach out to yours. Something golden and strong brightened between you.

“What do you mean?” 

Jungkook did not look away. “Is the best version of yourself the one without help? Without support? You say you do not wish to do your people a disservice, but is it a disservice to lead while you are unhappy?”

“And you think... marrying you would make me happy?”

“Maybe not,” he admitted, his gaze soft. “All I know is the life you speak of does not sound like a life at all.”

Having no response to this, you could only stare when Jungkook took your hand in his. Lifting your hand, he kept his gaze on yours. As he lowered his gaze, his lips slowly brushed the back of your fingers.

When he released you, you found you could not move, could hardly breathe. It seemed impossible to hide your reaction when Jungkook looked up.

You wanted him. You wanted him so badly it hurt and yet, something continued to hold you back. All you could see when you looked at Jungkook was the pain in your father’s eyes when he learned your mother had died.

“I will take my leave,” Jungkook said when you did not respond. “It has been a long day, and you must be tired.”

You nodded, unable to do more than that when he turned to go.

Halfway to the door, you had the sudden urge to do something. To call out, to ask him to come back, to reveal the bond you felt strengthening between you.

In the end you did none of it. The fear of being broken was greater than your want to be whole.

Jungkook turned at the door. “My offer will stay until I go,” he said before he went.

The door shut behind him, leaving you in silence. Exhaling, you walked to the table and uncapped a decanter. Pouring yourself a glass of wine, you sat before the fire and drank every drop.

It was a long time before you managed to fall asleep that night.

During your flight the next morning, you went north instead of south. Although Jimin had not found additional Mor patrols, your run-in with them had increased your caution. Soaring above the tree line, the sun brightening the horizon, your heart felt heavier than it had in a while.

When you finally landed and hurried inside, you were entirely alone.

For the first time, this did not strike you as such a good thing.

Independence had always been one of your most prized possessions. Your crown had stripped you of so much – your youth, freedom, and the first man you’d loved. Now though, you wondered what you’d given up by clinging to your ideals so tightly.

You did not have much time to consider it. The ball for Duret Ghal was tonight, and the day after tomorrow, their delegation would leave. You would sign the treaty in the morning and then they would be off.

Jungkook’s offer of marriage would disappear with it.

Amara had outdone herself with your dress for the evening. It was crimson in color, falling in gauzy pleats from a golden, metal bodice. Amara had dusted gold powder across your shoulders, resulting in a shimmering aura.

Red was neither the color of Ashya, nor of Duret Ghal. It was the color of fire, of passion – and of love, you realized with a twisting stomach.

Again, Yoongi was your escort and even his eyes widened as you stepped out the door.

“You are going to give someone a heart attack,” he chuckled, extending his arm.

You merely shook your head as you walked down the hall. The crown you wore tonight was gold, as well. A relic from an ancient Queen of Ashya before the colors had changed to silver and green.

“I am sure they will be fine,” you responded. “It is not as though I plan on shifting in the middle of a waltz.”

“It would certainly liven things up if you did.”

Although you gave Yoongi a look, you quickly fell silent as you approached the ball. Beyond the shut doors, you could hear muffled noises of music and laughter.

“Did Namjoon tell you about the dancing?”

Sharply, you turned your head. “No, he did not. What dancing?”

“Apparently, it is the custom in Duret Ghal for their monarch to lead the first dance.”

“I wish His Majesty the best of luck, then.”

Yoongi hid a smile. “You will need to dance also, Your Majesty.”

“Why is that?”

“Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the concept of balls,” Yoongi mused. “Typically, there is food, dancing, general merriment…”

“I know what a ball is, Yoongi.”

“You seemed confused by the prospect of dancing, though.”

“By the prospect of dancing with His Majesty, yes.”

“Now I am the one who is confused, because –”

“Fine,” you ground out as the doors began to open. “I will dance the first song with His Majesty. Nothing more.”

Yoongi grinned, patting your arm as you entered the room.

The ballroom had been lavishly decorated for tonight’s event. Taking it in, you passed over iced draperies, flowers and foliage spilling from every surface. People were gathered throughout, leaving room in the center of the ballroom for you to dance. An orchestra sat poised in the corner, awaiting your entrance to start the first song.

As you and Yoongi descended the spiral staircase, you only had eyes for the opposite side, where the delegation from Duret Ghal already stood. To where Jungkook was standing, watching your entrance.

His robes were similar to those he’d worn at the feast, although the colors tonight were black and gold. Long robes cut to mid-calf, tied in the middle by a black sash. Sigils of gold had been stitched into the fabric, with a thin chain of gold curved across his chest.

Lifting your gaze, your breath caught in your throat. Jungkook’s hair had been bound in a half-bun, the dark tresses broken only by his golden crown.

Walking closer to him under the lights, everything else seemed to fade. Despite your best efforts, something between you had shifted and now that it had, you couldn’t turn back.

You started imagining what the future would look like beside him. Not a future where you were lesser, but rather where you had support. Strength, like he had offered. Oddly enough, the image did not scare you as it once did.

Stepping onto the dais to turn around, you looked at the crowd. In your peripheral, you could see Jungkook looking at you. Ignoring him, you focused instead on your racing heart. You could almost feel it beat in tandem to his, yearning to run at the same pace.

It was not necessary to greet your guests, nor give a speech of pretty words. Instead you simply turned to face him as the music began. Jungkook held out his hand, waiting until you placed your palm over his.

Jungkook’s fingers curled about yours, leading you on the dance floor. People parted as you walked, leaving a space at the center. Jungkook pulled you to face him, placing a hand on your waist as you settled yours on his shoulder.

You looked up. Meeting your gaze, Jungkook took a step backwards to lead you in the first move.

His grip on you tightened as he led you in a spin. Jungkook was a good dancer, although this did not surprise you. By this point he could have announced he was the goddess Natal, herself, and you would have taken it in stride.

This image made you smile, unable to stop it as he swept you around.

“Why are you smiling?” Jungkook asked, his voice low.

Startled, you glanced up and wished you had not. This close, you could see everything, and it made your heart ache.

“I was imagining something funny,” you murmured.

Jungkook’s hand slid to the small of your back. Heat scalded your spine, making your head spin.

“Not about me, I hope,” Jungkook said, his lips dangerously close to your ear.

“And if it were?”

His grip on you tightened. “I would like to know the joke.”

Looking up, you met his gaze. “Does it ever tire you?”

Jungkook blinked.

Others had joined the dance at this point, entering the floor in a promenade. Multicolored skirts and robes swept circles around you, leaving you floating at the center of it all.

“Does what ever tire me?” Jungkook asked.

“This,” you said, glancing at your surroundings. “The pressure. The weight. The constant duties, expectations and never-ending loneliness of wearing our crowns.”

For a moment, Jungkook was silent, and you feared you’d overstepped. Then he exhaled, pulling you closer. His thumb brushed against the bare curve of your back.

“Every day,” he admitted.

Before you could respond, the song came to an end.

Couples stepped apart, talking, and laughing in the lull between songs. You and Jungkook stared at one another, the only two in the room as far as you were concerned. For so long, you had convinced yourself having a mate would be a bad thing.

Perhaps it was for some. For your parents, their bond had ended tragically, this was for certain. But for the first time, you wondered if keeping yourself from happiness because you didn’t want to be hurt might simply be a different kind of hurt itself.

When a hand tapped you on the shoulder, you nearly jumped.

Whirling around, you found Lord Declan before you. You stared at him for a few moments, wondering why he was here.

“Your Majesty.” Lord Declan bowed low at the waist. “Would you do me the honor of having the next dance?”

Of course – this was a ball. You would be expected to dance with others, not only Jungkook. Feet faltering, you glanced sideways but before you could decline, Jungkook took a step back.

“She is all yours,” he said, turning around.

Jungkook disappeared, his midnight-colored robes swishing about his ankles. Lord Declan closed in, forcing your attention away as the orchestra began the next song.

“Yes,” you said, trying to focus. “You may, Lord.”

Lord Declan entered where Jungkook had left off, his right hand slipping beneath yours as his other found your waist. His touch felt wrong, as though you’d put the opposite glove on your hand.

“How fortunate the first dance of the night was a short one,” Lord Declan said with a chuckle.

Startled, you glanced up. “I beg your pardon?”

“I envy your patience, Your Majesty,” he continued, oblivious to your tone. “Had I been forced to spend so long these past weeks in the presence of riders…” Breaking off, he shuddered. “Your control is exemplary.”

Had Lord Declan been a wise man, he might have noticed the heat simmering in your gaze. Or the way your spine stiffened, a lone muscle ticking in your jaw. As it were though, Lord Declan was not a smart man, and so he continued to throw caution to the wind.

You were not certain when you’d become so defensive of Jungkook, but the fact remained the Lord’s comments made you see red.

“I do not know that I would call my control exemplary,” you said, your tone deceptively light. “Indeed, my Lord, I find my courtiers often say things I find infuriating.”

Lord Declan paused, clued in by your choice of words.

“If I have said something to offend Your Majesty…”

His steps were not as graceful as Jungkook’s, nearly stepping on your toes as you turned around. Dodging the gesture, you glanced aside and realized Jungkook had not left the dance floor. Instead, he danced with Maia at the edge of the room. While you were watching, Jungkook threw his head back and laughed.

Unpleasantness curdled your stomach despite your insistence he was not yours to want.

“You have said something to offend me, Lord,” you said, returning to Declan. “Either you are ignorant or stupid, and I pray to Natal you are not both.”

Lord Declan stared, his jaw sagging a little.

“We face an enemy,” you said, voice lowering. “Our enemy is not Duret Ghal, nor is it their riders. I suggest you cease speaking such heresy before I wonder if the mines your family owns would do better in the hands of someone else.”

His eyes widened. “Your Majesty, I do not think –”

“Then we are in agreement,” you said, dropping your arms to take a step back.

Turning around, you stalked towards the edge of the dance floor, barely managing to keep your steam in check. When you glanced again at the offending corner, Jungkook and Maia had disappeared.

Driven by a mix of emotions you dared not name, you slipped beyond the courtiers and out a side door. Eyes closed, you allowed the night air to wash over you. Coming to a stop at the edge of the gardens, you opened your eyes to take in the Thadal mountains.

It was colder than it had been a few weeks ago. The winter solstice was coming, and your human skin could only protect you from so much. Still, you could not stomach returning to the party and so, you kept walking, entering the dark hedges.

You let yourself wander, following the twists and turns with nothing but your heart as its guide. When you turned a corner and found Jungkook before you, it almost was not a surprise.

The moment was overlaid with another memory, from ten years prior. The night you’d realized Jungkook was your mate and looked to the future with wonder.

He was alone again, facing away as he stared into an empty, cracked basin. The fountain had been turned off for the winter and before you could speak, Jungkook sighed.

“Were you not enjoying the party?” he asked.

Walking forward, you came to a stop beside him. “I might ask you the same thing,” you said, staring into the basin. “I saw you enjoying yourself during the last dance.”

Jungkook turned his head.

“Are you jealous, Your Majesty?” he murmured, his gaze flinty.

“Merely noting the obvious,” you said, refusing to face him. “You call me a conundrum and yet, you dance with another woman while proposing marriage to me.”

“One dance.”

“So, there has never been anything between you?”

Jungkook paused. “I will not pretend to have been celibate these past ten years. Neither should you, Your Majesty.”

Looking at him, you attempted to calm the roiling feelings within you. It was not right to feel like this. Not right to be jealous, to berate him when you continued to decline his offer.

“Am I correct,” he said, his voice low, “in thinking you do not want me for yourself, yet you do not want anyone else to have me either?”

“That… that is not fair.”

“Perhaps you know how I feel, then,” Jungkook said, his gaze hardening.

Startled, your eyes widened as he took a step closer. Coming to a stop right before you, Jungkook looked down.

“Watching you entertain other men,” he said hotly. “Watching you dance with other men, consider other men while you continue to deny what lies between us. What we are to one another. My former betrothed. And my mate,” he added, his gaze like dark fire.

Speechless, you could only stare in response.

Jungkook knew.

He knew and had said nothing this entire time. You wondered when he’d realized but lost your head entirely when he lifted a hand. Pressing his thumb beneath your chin, Jungkook tipped your head up.

Bending, he brushed your lips against his. The kiss was chaste, sweet – and wildfire erupted in response. Before you could stop yourself, your hand had fisted in his robes to drag him down. You kissed him back hungrily, fiercely as the heat consumed you.

Jungkook seemed to burn just as bright, crushing you close. His arms wrapped around you, tongue eagerly flicking against your lower lip. When you parted beneath him, he licked into your mouth. Inhaling his scent, you wanted him closer.

It was not at all how you’d imagined it to be.

You had thought once you gave in, it would feel like erasing yourself. Removing the old to make way for the new, but it was not like that at all. Letting him in only made you feel stronger.

Thumbs skimming your cheeks, Jungkook angled you upward and kissed you again. He drew a shuddering breath before he forced himself to stop.

Slowly, his eyes opened and he stared at you, his chest rising and falling.

“If you do not want this, though.” Hoarse, his thumbs caressed your skin. “I do not wish to force it upon you. You should not marry me because of a bond, Your Majesty. Nor should you because you think it’s what’s best for Ashya. I want you to marry me because you want to. Nothing more.”

When you did not respond, Jungkook’s expression began to shutter and he took a step backwards. His hands fell to his sides, the air between you turning cold.

All too late, you realized you’d waited too long. You should have said something immediately, should have done something other than kiss him like a maniac.

“Thank you,” Jungkook said. “For the hospitality you’ve shown Duret Ghal these past weeks. Whatever your feelings are for me, I look forward to signing the treaty tomorrow.”

Before you could say anything more, Jungkook walked past you and left the gardens. You were left alone beside an empty basin.

You stayed there for a while, staring at the looming Thadal mountains, and wondering how in the world you had gotten things so wrong.

When you returned to the proceedings of the ball, Yoongi was smart enough not to ask where you had been. He seemed to know anyways, based on the look on your face.

Stiffly you stood and surveyed the dancing couples. Whenever you cared to look, you caught glimpses of Jungkook on the opposite side.

You tried not to, but this proved to be difficult now that you knew. Jungkook knew you were his mate. You knew what his lips tasted like. All of this you knew and could not forget.

It was his last words which ran again and again through your mind. Jungkook knew you were his mate and yet, he’d said nothing because he wanted you to choose him for him. It was such a foolhardy, romantic notion it made your heart ache.

Even with Leo, you had not felt this way. If you had been honest, you had known your relationship would be doomed from the start. Leo had never challenged you in ways which made you grow. You’d kept him at arm’s length, never giving him the opportunity to know your true self. 

After the death of your parents, you’d been in a dark place. You had made the vow not to marry out of an attempt to protect yourself. Perhaps you’d grown beyond needing such things.

The next time you looked, Jungkook was looking back.

He glanced away quickly, but he’d looked. The realization made you take a step forward but before you could go to him, Yoongi leaned in.

“What did you say to him when you danced?”

Surprised, you glanced in his direction. You thought Yoongi meant Jungkook but then realized he looked at Lord Declan. Declan seemed flustered, pointedly looking anywhere but at you while Lord Larkin glared from across the room.

You stifled a snort. “Only the truth.”

“Which was?”

“That like it or not, Duret Ghal are our allies, so they better start acting like it.”

Quietly, Yoongi laughed as he straightened. “No wonder his father looks as though he swallowed something sour.”

Guiltily, you looked away. “I am sorry if I caused you trouble,” you said, knowing Yoongi would be the one to clean it up. “It is only –”

“You were right.” Yoongi nodded. “The world is changing, and they can either change with the times or be left behind. I am glad you said something.”

Shooting him a grateful look, you glanced again across the room and realized Jungkook had disappeared. Scanning the rest of the ball, you spotted some of his delegation but not their King. Maia was dancing with Namjoon and to your surprise, you realized Taehyung had asked Amara to dance.

Jungkook was nowhere to be seen. Despite his absence, you forced yourself to stay until Yoongi deemed it socially acceptable for you to leave. The last thing you wanted was to put the treaty in jeopardy because you’d overlooked proper etiquette.

As the evening went on, candles guttered low in the chandeliers and guests began to thin out the dance floor. People started disappearing, traveling home in groups of two and three. Sometime around midnight, you finally bade Yoongi goodnight.

Forgoing his offer of escort, you took a side hall and exited the ball. It was a quiet walk to your chambers, a silence which did not lessen once you were inside.

Removing your crown, you set this on your dresser and stared out the window. You wondered if this was your future. A cold, lonely existence where you always ended up in your room alone.

Jungkook was right.

You kept everyone at a distance because you were afraid of being hurt. You were afraid if you let them in, you’d grant them the power to tear your heart in two. The problem was you weren’t sure how much longer you’d have a heart to give.

It already felt like a feeble, weakened thing within your chest. You didn’t know how to make it work like it should. So accustomed to your own company, you were unable to respond to true acts of friendship. This struck you as a poor kind of ruler for any nation. 

It made you wonder if the vow you’d once made held no further weight.

Now was time to decide what kind of ruler you wanted to be, what kind of person you wanted to be moving forward. Your life could still be wondrous if you so wished.

Abruptly, you turned and strode for the door.

Your guards seemed surprised to see you leave, but let you pass by with a nod. Once in the hallways, your feet seemed to know the way. Down one hall, then the next, you found yourself entering the guest wing before your mind could catch up.

Depending on stature, guests of the crown stayed with varying proximity to your personal quarters. It was not far to the rooms Jungkook occupied, the most lavish guest suite in the castle.

Outside his room, your steps slowed before coming to a stop. Jungkook did not have guards posted outside his doors. Some might have seen this as a sign of naiveté, but you saw it for what it was. A symbol of trust.

Lifting a hand, you knocked on his door.

It took him a few seconds to answer, rustling noises telling you he was within. When he swung open the door, your mouth immediately went dry.

Jungkook had changed from his formal attire to a more casual tunic and trousers. It took a great deal of effort to keep your eyes on his face, and not wander towards the ink you saw peering out from his sleeves.

Surprise flickered in the depths of his gaze, although he quickly concealed it. Leaning a shoulder to the frame, Jungkook arched a brow.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Your Majesty?”

Any words you wished to say dried up like a stream in the desert. Finally, you managed to rouse yourself.

“May I come in?” you asked.

Jungkook paused. For a moment, you were afraid he might tell you to go. You had turned him down so many times; surely it was time for him to return the favor.

Then he dipped his head and stepped aside, allowing you entrance. Heart pounding, you slipped past him and stood at the center of the room.

His rooms were your guest chambers, so you had obviously seen them before. Occasionally you met with foreign dignitaries or visitors. Jungkook had stayed long enough though, that portions of the room had begun to seem like his own.

The black and gold robes he’d worn to the ball were draped over a partition. A trunk remained half-open beside a table, full of stacks of books. It reminded you of your visit to Duret Ghal so long ago, where he could often be found in the library.

“Would you like wine?” Jungkook interrupted your thoughts.

Mutely, you nodded and reached for the crystal decanter. Midway there, Jungkook’s hand caught your wrist.

“Allow me,” he said, moving past.

You stopped and watched him pour two glasses of wine. One after the other, Jungkook set them down on the table.

“You knew,” you said quietly. “You knew you were my mate.”

Jungkook hesitated, continuing to stare at the wine.

After a moment, he lifted a glass and took a long sip. “Yes,” he admitted. “I knew.”

“When?” you demanded.

His eyes narrowed, looking up. “When did you know, Your Majesty?”

“At the end of my last visit to Duret Ghal.”

“I knew the moment I saw you,” he said quietly.

“You – what?”

Jungkook set his wine down. “Your arrival was scheduled for shortly before sundown,” he said. “My parents had dressed me in my best clothes, and I remember being angry about it. I remember standing there fuming, waiting for you to arrive. And then you did.”

His eyes shone. “I had never seen someone so beautiful.”

Hearing him speak, your breath caught in your chest. Jungkook began to walk closer, his expression inscrutable.

“I avoided you for a few days,” he continued. “Mates are rarer in Duret Ghal and for a while, I didn’t know what I was feeling. Even once I realized, I resented the bond. It was difficult enough to accept my own magic back then.”

“What changed your mind?”

“You.” His lips curled in a smile. “You surprised me. I found myself liking you despite myself. I started to realize the bond might not be such a bad thing.”

“So… this entire time, you have known,” you said in disbelief.

“I have.” His expression darkened. “As have you, it would seem.”

Guilty, you looked away. You had and it had not occurred to you to tell him.

That was a lie. It had occurred to you and you’d decided against it, because you did not think you could stomach denying the bond to his face.

Reaching out, Jungkook took your hand. The gesture was so simple, it nearly broke you in two. Glancing down, you marveled when he brushed his thumb over your skin. Jungkook gave you space to think until you found the courage to speak.

“You know my mother was killed ten years ago,” you said quietly. “My father survived the attack, but they were mated and when she passed… he could not bear it.” After a pause, you looked up. “He died five years later, and those five years were as torturous for everyone else as they were for him.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Jungkook murmured.

“He tried,” you said, forcing yourself to remember.

To remember the days when your father had tried to go on. He’d tried for you and for Ashya, but it had not been enough. There had been no light in his gaze, no meaning behind his odd smiles. Although only your mother had died in the attack, you’d lost both your parents.

“I know he did,” you continued. “But the pain of losing his mate was too much. Everything which had been important simply faded away. I swore after he passed the same fate would not befall me. It is why I said no to you,” you said, your grip tightening. “It is not because I feel nothing. I said no to you because you are my mate.”

His thumb continued to soothe over your skin. “And now?” he asked, wondering. “Did you come here simply to say this?”

“No. Now I find myself wondering if in an attempt to spare myself pain, I created agony of a different kind.”

Jungkook’s gaze softened. “I meant what I said earlier, Y/N. I don’t wish for you to agree out of some sense of duty, or an unearthly bond.”

A shiver went down your spine at hearing your name on his lips.

“That is not why I am saying yes,” you said, lifting your chin.

Surprise flared in his gaze. “No?”

“No.”

Deciding you needed the wine after all, you tugged your hand from his and turned towards the table. Lifting the glass to your lips, you let the sweet burn fill your throat.

In the corner of your eyes, you could see Jungkook watching. Waiting.

“I am saying yes because I want this,” you breathed, turning around. “I want you. I have wanted you since the day you followed me to the cliffs. I’m scared,” you admitted, barely more than a whisper. “I’m terrified of what you might do to me. Of what I might do to you. But I don’t want fear to hold me back anymore.”

Jungkook continued to stare at you, jaw working while he thought through what to say. His fingers began to tremble, fighting the rising tide of emotion.

“We face a difficult path,” he said at last.

You nodded. “I know.”

“The history between our people. Revealing the magic of the riders. War on the horizon,” he said, taking a step forward with each reason he listed.

“Do you not want me to say yes, Your Majesty?”

Jungkook came to a stop before you.

“I want you to say yes so badly it hurts,” he said hoarsely. “But I don’t want you to accept not knowing what it means.”

“The bond scared me for a long time,” you told him. “The idea of belonging to someone. Of no longer depending solely upon myself.”

“And why is that?”

“Loss of control.” Your smile was fleeting. “The idea has always terrified me more than any enemy. I feared the bond would mean losing myself… that it would mean…”

“Giving a part of yourself away.”

Quiet, you nodded.

“Did you not think, though,” he said, reaching out. “Giving a piece of yourself away might mean gaining something in return?”

Taking your hand in his, Jungkook laid them both on his heart.

You stared at your hand, splayed beneath his on his chest. The idea had not occurred to you, and yet – perhaps it should have.

“I have no doubt you will remain independent,” Jungkook insisted. “Accepting this bond would not change that. I would not want that to change.”

“But if I were to die –”

“Love is always a liability,” Jungkook quietly said. “It is. And yet, where would we be without it? My love for Nemrys, for Duret Ghal and the riders saved me when my parents died. A world without love is not one worth fighting for.”

Ever so gentle, you brushed the curve of his hand with your thumb.

Jungkook’s grip on yours tightened.

“Yes,” you breathed. Chest practically touching, you looked up to see him. “I know all this, and I’m saying yes.”

For the first time, you let yourself look at him fully.

You had known he was beautiful, but the truth was he was nearly unbearable. Strong jaw, soft lips and eyes which burned as fierce as any Dragon. You did not look at them though, wanting to take in the rest of him first. Lifting a hand, you cupped the side of his face.

Jungkook shivered at your touch. Startled, you glanced up and met his gaze. The need you found within nearly undid you.

For so long, this had been building inside. Suddenly the idea of you tolerating, let alone enjoying another man’s company seemed a strange concept. Jungkook was your mate, someone who had never once cowered from who and what you were.

Turning his head, Jungkook’s lips brushed your palm.

“What are you thinking?” he murmured.

“I am remembering earlier. Your kiss in the garden.”

His gaze darkened. “What do you want from me, my Queen?”

The addition of the word my sent a thrill down your spine.

“You,” you said, knowing how true it was.

You wanted every part of the man before you. Wanted to know him, breathe him in, drink from his cup and bask in his light. The man who’d known you were his mate and hadn’t claimed you, but rather waited. Waited you to come to him.

Rising on your tiptoes, your hands slid to his neck and you kissed him again.

You kept your pressure light, the opposite of the searing kiss you’d previously shared. Pulling away, you savored the press of his chest, the warmth of his body and the weight of his hands. When you opened your eyes, you found Jungkook smiling.

Pressing your lips to his again, you moved a bit closer. Jungkook seemed content just to kiss, trading gentle pressure – until you pulled back, teeth catching on his lower lip.

A growl loosened from his chest, low and primal.

Sliding a hand behind your neck, Jungkook tilted your head upward and waited for you to nod. When you did, he crushed your lips to his in a kiss equally fierce as it was possessive. Breath stolen, you gave him your desire and what was left of your heart.

Warmth flooded your veins, heating you from the inside out. With limbs of molten fire, you kissed him back until his tongue swiped at your lip, demanding entrance. You parted easily for him, a whimper leaving your throat as you melded together.

Jungkook groaned, pulling close to kiss you again. His fingers traced the skin at your nape, trailing your spine to firmly cup your ass. Nestled between his legs, Jungkook allowed you to feel every inch of his hardness.

Your skin was aflame, as though lightning had zipped across it. Reduced to only sensations, you shivered at each one you felt. His thumb, fondling the dip of your waist. Your nipples, turgid against the fabric of your gown. The sharp, aching pulse which steadily grew between your thighs.

“Oh,” you gasped, head tipping back.

Jungkook kissed each inch of exposed skin you gave him.

“Is this what you want?” he murmured.

“What I want, my King,” you panted, regaining some of yourself. “Is for you not to stop.”

Lips curved in a smile, he lifted his head. “I rather think your King is more appropriate, no?”

You arced a brow. “What is the difference?”

“One implies you are my subject and the other implies I belong to you.”

“And which do you prefer?”

His gaze glinted in firelight. “Allow me to show you, my Queen.”

Barely pausing, you breathed, “And which usage was that?”

With a soft sort of chuckle, Jungkook walked you both backwards until your spine hit the wall. Bending his head, he brushed his lips against yours until you were aching. Until your need for him became fire, racing through your veins in a silent demand.

Sliding his thigh between your legs, Jungkook paused when you gasped. Swiftly giving in, he covered your lips in a kiss which seared to your soul.

Slipping your hands higher, you marveled at the breadth of his torso. Years of riding had hardened his body, making you wonder what he looked like beneath the tunic.

One hand on the wall, Jungkook’s other fisted in your skirts as he tugged you closer. Sharply, you inhaled when he yanked up the fabric, exposing your knee to the gentle press of his thumb. A moan left your lips as your head hit the wall, eyes fluttering open.

Jungkook stopped. “Is it too much?” he asked, releasing your skirts.

“No.” You shook your head. “I want more. I want you”

His gaze darkened. “Then you shall have me,” he promised, covering your mouth with his.

His kiss was rough, lips bruising as your hands found his hair. Arching against him, you reveled in the hard panes of his body. It seemed wherever you had space, Jungkook had been made to fill it.

Hand in your skirts once again, Jungkook pulled them higher to press his thigh in between. You inhaled at the contact, his muscles rigid and hard in all the right places.

Before you could do anything else, Jungkook bent and grasped the back of your thighs. Wrapping you around his waist, he kept your body close as he walked towards the bed. Lowering you to the floor, his hands remained on your waist.

“Turn around,” Jungkook rasped, and you obeyed.

Facing the bed, you felt his fingers trace over the bodice of your gown.

“May I?” he asked, his voice shaky.

“Please,” you whispered.

Carefully, Jungkook began undoing the laces and hooks. As the fabric was loosened, exposing your skin to his gaze, you closed your eyes. His fingers skimmed your shoulders, sliding the fabric lower until it hit the floor.

Bared to his gaze, you felt your breath hitch. Cool air played over your skin, perking your breasts, and drifting between your thighs. The gown was sheer enough to necessitate you wore no undergarments beneath it, leaving you naked before him.

“Y/N.” Jungkook sounded hoarse. “Please… please face me.”

Slowly, you did so as you opened your eyes.

Jungkook stared, his eyes dark as night. Jaw tense, his gaze slowly dragged down your body. You felt the intimacy of it as he trailed your throat, lingered at your breasts, your ass, and between your thighs.

When he finally returned to your face, the heat between you was scorching. Throat parched, your body felt one with the fire.

“Now, you,” you murmured.

Without looking away, Jungkook lifted a hand to begin undoing his tunic. Once it was loose, he pulled this overhead in a single motion. As it hit the floor, his hands went to his trousers. With bated breath, you watched him remove the laces.

Swallowing once, you stared at his chest bathed in soft firelight. Swirling dark lines stretched across his shoulder, encircling his bicep, and traveling to his wrist. You saw words and symbols but had no time to peruse. Later, you promised yourself. Later, you’d worship the ink with your lips and tongue.

A dark smattering of hair trailed from his abs, disappearing into trousers he undid with deft fingers. Once these had been pushed to the floor, you found another reason to swallow.

You were not what anyone would call shy, but something about this felt more intimate than it ever had. Baring yourself to Jungkook meant more than just sex. You’d accepted the bond, accepted what lay between you and acknowledged him as your mate.

Seeming to understand, Jungkook took a step closer as he bent his head. His hands slid to your waist and he kissed you gently.

When he pulled away, you saw vulnerability in his gaze.

“Y/N,” he said.

You marveled at the sound of his name on your lips. “Jungkook,” you returned, and watched him smile.

Bending again, his lips found yours as his hands skimmed your body. You settled between his legs, feeling slightly light-headed from the press of so much skin. Jungkook’s hand slid lower, gripping one of your thighs to wrap around him. He gave the same treatment to the other, twisting you around to lay on the bed.

Pressing a knee to the mattress, Jungkook crawled forward and bent his head. Lips soft, he began to kiss down your body. Your hands gripped his back, trailing to find the twin dimples nestled at the base of his spine.

When Jungkook’s mouth brushed your breasts, he paused. Instead of giving in and devouring you whole, he slid a hand between your thighs and found how wet you were. Gaze lidded, he looked up as he cupped your sex. A single finger slid over your silken entrance.

Lifting the same finger to his lips, Jungkook leisurely tasted you. When he pulled his finger out, you saw it had been licked clean.

Growling in approval, Jungkook bent and closed his lips over your breast.

“Oh,” you gasped, arching beneath him.

Your nipple was already hard, peaked with desire. Jungkook sucked on it eagerly, pulling your breast taut before he raised his head. Moving on to the next, his thumb remained behind to skim over your nipple.

He continued with this sweet torture until you’d had enough.

“No more,” you gasped, curving a hand beneath his jaw.

Releasing your breast, he lifted his head. “I want to taste you,” Jungkook breathed. “I want to know what it’s like to have you fall apart on my tongue.”

Easing yourself onto your elbows, you slowly spread your legs.

“Do your worst, Your Majesty,” you said, gaze glinting.

Jungkook grinned, lowering himself to the sheets. His mouth was hot, open as he kissed your waist, your belly and lower. You did not know where to look – his entirely naked ass, or his dark head of hair before your dripping sex.

Dragging his nose up your thigh, Jungkook deeply inhaled as he centered himself. Lowering his head to your sex, he gave a tentative kiss. Even this sent a sweeping shudder through you. It took nearly everything you had not to moan like a maiden in heat.

Opening his mouth, his tongue swirled once and you nearly dissolved. Liquid heat pulsed through you, cumulating between your thighs in a sinful wave. Worshipping you with his tongue, Jungkook tore moans from your lips, one after the other.

Swiping his tongue in another slow circle, he coaxed your body to arc from the bed. With a throaty chuckle, Jungkook looked up. Hair mussed and lips wet, he looked like something divine.

“Do you want more, my Queen?” he asked lowly.

“Yes,” you exhaled, unable to look away.

A devious smile spread across his lips. Lowering his mouth, Jungkook resumed his ministrations until you were gasping his name.

“Oh,” you groaned, broken as he continued to eat you out.

Gripping your thighs, he pushed them further apart to better get at your sex. Legs splayed on the bed, you framed his broad shoulders as you reached for his hair. Another growl left him as you fisted your hand in the strands. Hips rising and falling with the motion of his mouth, your head fell limply back on the bed.

“Yes – yes,” you said, chasing the sweet pleasure with your hips.

You hardly knew what you were doing as you moved, never having felt this way before. Jungkook seemed equally entranced, his eyes snapping open to meet yours above. The bottom half of his face was wet with your juices and while you should have felt modest, instead you felt righteousness. Intoxication. Possession.

This was your body which made him look like this, half-feral with need as he ground into the mattress. “Yes,” you gasped, gripping harder as your legs started to shake. “Yes, Jungkook.”

Pleasure built from within, threatening to drown out everything but the man between your thighs. Slipping a finger to your entrance, Jungkook drew lazy circles over your sex. His tongue moved in quick, agile motions against your swollen clit.

“Come for me,” he panted, lifting his head.

Your lips parted when his finger slipped in. Gripping his hair, your hips bucked against him as he added another and curled. Crying out his name, you came hard and fast around his hand. You think you said Jungkook, amongst other things, as you went limp on the mattress, your hands falling to the sheets.

Jungkook slowly relented, gently kissing your hip, your chest and all the way up your throat. Smiling softly, he settled beside you to drape an arm over your waist. Chest rising and falling, you stared at him in wonder.

You’d often wondered what the mating bond felt like. If something would snap into place and all of a sudden, your mind would belong to someone else. Whatever you’d imagined, it had not been this. This felt as natural, as right as when you flew.

Tracing a circle on your inner thigh, Jungkook looked up. “Do you want more?”

His other hand parted your legs, cupping your heat to show you what he meant. Inhaling softly, you reached down and encircled his wrist with your hand. Jungkook went still.

“Yes,” you murmured. “But not like that.”

His eyes lightened. “How, then?”

“I want all of you. Inside me,” you said. “I take the potions monthly.”

The potions were a trio of liquids sold by most apothecaries throughout the continent. They did everything from preventing pregnancy to protecting against diseases and easing your monthly flow. Arching a brow, you glanced pointedly at the headboard.

Smiling softly, Jungkook retracted his hand. Pushing himself upwards, he shifted to seat himself against the same headboard.

You could not have imagined a more beautiful sight. With mussed hair, his skin dark with ink and flushed with arousal, Jungkook was artwork himself. Lifting yourself to your knees, you positioned yourself over his thighs and lowered your gaze.

His cock was impressive, although you had already known this. He would be the largest you’d ever taken, that was for certain.

Reaching down, you wrapped your hand gently around him. Gaze half-lidded, Jungkook stared as you dragged your hand upwards. A hiss left his lips, though he held himself back.

“Careful,” he warned, shifting his hips.

Brushing your thumb across his head, you spread already-leaking fluids down his hardened shaft. Lowering your body, your mouth slid over the reddening tip. With a flick of your tongue, you relished his soft moan of approval. Next, was a swirl, before you slid off with a pop and began to move your fist.

“This is not your first time,” Jungkook observed, breathing heavily.

“Neither is it yours, Your Majesty.”

Bending again, you took him all at once in your mouth. Gasping his chuckle, Jungkook’s hands skimmed your torso to land on your rear. For a while, the only sounds which filled the room were the sloppy sounds of you sucking.

“It is not,” he panted, fingers digging into your ass. “And yet, I cannot help but be envious of all who came before me. Of all who’ve known the sweet pleasure of your lips on their cock.”

Removing him from your mouth, you looked up.

“There is no need to be jealous,” you said, rising onto your knees. Not looking away, you swung a leg over his hips. “You are the one who has me now.”

Something proud, almost territorial entered his gaze.

Gripping you by the waist, Jungkook pulled you even closer. “Do I?” he murmured, lips brushing your throat. “My Queen. My betrothed. My mate,” he breathed, nipping the skin.

A not unpleasant shiver ran down your spine. Reaching beneath you, you gripped his cock to position at your dripping entrance. Still, you did not take him inside.

Realizing Jungkook awaited an answer, you nodded. He had you.

“Then tell me,” Jungkook demanded, looking into your eyes.

Lowering yourself, you felt his tip brush your entrance. “You have me,” you whispered. “My King. My betrothed. My mate.”

With each word, you took him in deeper. Jungkook sat upright, right hand cupping the back of your neck to bring you closer. Clasped to his warm, damp skin, you sank down on his cock.

“That’s it,” he murmured, hot in your ear. Other hand gripping your ass, he lowered you even further. “You can take more of me, can you not?”

You could and you did, not wanting to wait any longer. Hands digging into his back, you kept your chests pressed together as you sank even further. No matter how much you took, there always seemed to be more to give. Jungkook’s cock stretched you open, making you work to fit all of him inside.

“Oh,” you whimpered, gripping him tighter.

Jungkook grunted and stroked the side of your neck with his thumb. “There you go. Take all of it. All of me,” he exhaled.

A now-familiar shiver swept your spine as you moved. The last inch pushed you past your limits, but finally you felt him bottom out. For a moment, you could not breathe from the feeling of fullness. Of rightness. Of completeness.

Him sheathed inside you felt indescribable, only improved when Jungkook shifted his hips and finally moved.

“Oh,” you gasped, eyes flying wide.

“Y/N,” he groaned.

Lifting yourself higher, your nipples brushed his chest as you eased yourself down. Jungkook’s hand remained on your spine, rolling your hips as he thrust from below. Kissing him slowly, you bit down on his lip and took him in deeper.

Jungkook began to move, spearing you with his cock as you spread your legs. His kisses became harder, more desperate as a steady thrum of power built in between you. Soon it was your hips chasing his, not the other way around.

Lowering his head, Jungkook caught your breast with his mouth. Lips parting, you began to fuck him harder as you slammed your hips down. His tongue teased one rounded breast, switching to the other while his thumb flicked the first.

Dropping onto his length over and over, you marveled at the feel of him moving inside you.

“Jungkook,” you moaned, head thrown back in ecstasy.

His hands seemed to be everywhere. Clasping you to him, skimming your torso, flicking your pebbled nipples as the wave of pleasure built. Toes curling beneath you, you panted from the effort of trying not to come.

As though he could sense this, Jungkook began speeding up. Clasping you to him, he thrust into you harder, filling you with each languid roll of his hips. As your lips found each other, the strange tide of longing crested into a wave.

Winding your fingers into his hair, you tipped your head back and bared your neck to his teeth. Jungkook scraped them up your throat, whining his approval as you rode his cock. Hands gripping your ass hard enough to bruise, his hips moved even faster as he sought completion.

With his dampened skin pressed to yours, his scent began to envelop. Each moan he gave you was freely taken. Each sound you made, he swallowed whole. You were not sure how long you existed in this state, simply reveling in the pleasure from each other’s bodies.

On the edge of release, you felt the bond between you tighten. It was difficult to tell where one of you ended and the other began. Slamming your hips down to his, Jungkook was equally fierce, plunging inside you.

“I cannot hold on much longer,” he gasped.

You nodded, stroking his temple with a sweat-slicked thumb. “Together.”

Jungkook nodded, lips seeking yours in a question you answered. Hips quickening, limbs tightening, you let yourself fall into the release he offered. As you came undone, it was Jungkook you held onto. Somewhere within the bright haze of your pleasure, you felt Jungkook release as well. Thick, hot spurts of cum painted your insides white. 

You reveled in it, trembling at the idea of a future where he’d do this again. Where he’d whet you with his seed, stuffing you full in the hopes you might bear his child. The notion made you whimper, squeezing with your walls as you felt him begin to leak out. 

Although your breathing slowed, the haze of joy lingered. The mating bond became almost visible, shining crystal-clear in what had previously been darkness. It stayed with you; humming and golden, and fearfully strong.

Lifting your head, you met Jungkook’s gaze.

He had not become someone different. Neither had you and yet, something between you had changed. It was still Jungkook beneath you, inside you and with his arms wrapped around you. Now though, you knew what he was to you. Your mate. You had chosen him, and he had chosen you.

Based on his expression, you knew he felt something similar.

One of your hands slid down his chest and settled over his heart. Beneath your palm and warm skin, you felt his heart keeping pace with yours.

“Oh,” you murmured, eyes shining.

Leaning forward, Jungkook brushed your lips with his. Clasping your hand in between you, he rested his forehead to yours.

You knew obstacles lay ahead. You knew but somehow, they all seemed more possible with him by your side. With him as your partner, your mate, your betrothed.

Opening your eyes, you met his gaze and smiled.

© kpopfanfictrash, 2021. Do not copy or repost without permission.

Author’s Note: Thank you so much to everyone read this long! I hope you enjoyed :)

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[minniepetals]

Rose & Thorns: 09

— summary: a lone rose, a little broken, until Jungkook came along and the two of you saved each other. and in doing so, Jungkook showed you a world where he shared with his six other mates.

— pairing: dragon!bts x reader

— genre: fluff / slight angst / poly!au / fantasy!au / dragon!au

— word count: 8.3k

— warnings: none

╰ part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 / part 7 / part 8 / part 9 / part 10

"Hi there."

Just two single words are uttered from your lips and Jungkook is reminded of everything that has happened from the very first moment you spoke those exact first words to him.

He remembered those eyes of yours, so lost, so lonely, yet still having that kindness within to try and reach out a hand in order to ease his pain even if it meant just a small dose. Little did you know you'd end up as a true keeper of the dragons, lover to the seven princes of the East Sky and Mountains. But knowing the rewards, in the end, had never been anything you were seeking for at the time, and his heart warmed at the single reminder of how truly kind your heart is. After all, before you could even come to that moment of happiness with them all, you had to face serious consequences all because of that kind heart of yours.

Looking back on it, Jungkook only wished he could have dealt with it all in a better sense. If he were there for you like you were always for him, if he had gotten to his lovers a little sooner to make them see that nothing about you had been false, if he had been there through your pains and tears, maybe you could have reached that dream of freedom and happiness so much quicker.

"Jungkook?" Yet no matter what he thought, you were always there gracing him a sweet smile with such precious eyes that he knew he would forever hold dearly to.

"Back from taking care of the little whelps?" He asked, driving his thoughts away from the memories in order to look at what was in front of him instead. Jungkook knew he couldn't keep dwelling on the past no matter how much it had hurt him. Because here you were, lips curled into a brighter smile and he knew then that no matter what he thought, you'd never blame him for anything.

But perhaps that was what was hurting him even more.

You walked into the castle, feet having light bounces to them with a basket full of laundry. "I'm fairly certain Namjoon will hold an apprentice ceremony for Haeun soon. Who do you suppose her mentor will be?"

He grabbed you by the arm to pull you back in front of him before you could walk right past him without a second thought, surprising you just a bit.

"I'm sure Namjoon will make a wise decision on that but," the young dragon drew both his hands to hold you firmly by the shoulders as he expressed a disappointed face, "don't you think you're forgetting about someone else first?"

You giggled under his adorable pout. "Don't you have to get ready for the afternoon hunting patrol soon?" You reminded him, causing him to let out a grunt.

"Why is it that Taehyung and Seokjin are the ones to have you by their sides every day? Why can't it be me?"

"Kook," you laugh, "you know your hyungs would never let me go out there to support the patrols. For one, it can be dangerous especially for a simple human like me, and two, I don't have a clue on what to do during a patrol."

He sighed, allowing his hands to drop by his side again. "It's unfair. Sometimes I wish I wasn't a warrior."

"Don't say that. The clan has both you and Hoseok to keep us protected and that is something I would never want to take away from you."

"I know. I just want to spend more time with you" He looked up to meet your gaze again. "But for now this will do." Without any warning, he leaned in to give you a quick kiss to your lips, causing your cheeks to brighten in an instant as he strolled away with a giggle, knowing exactly what your expression would show without even looking.

You were too adorable for your own good.

.

.

"Have you ever had scented candles before?"

On one of the rarer days when you were free from your duties and didn't have the little whelps demanding for your attention almost every second you turned your head and Seokjin was well on his own, you accompanied Jimin in the lonely dungeons as he made his rounds as head of the guards, making small talks ever so often.

There weren't many prisoners locked up for their bad deeds just as the time you spent there a prisoner yourself so you knew Jimin often got lonely making his rounds all alone each time. Taking that into consideration, you weren't going to let the opportunity of your free time be spent doing nothing.

"Scented candles?" You tilted your head slightly to the side with innocent eyes that always got him every time and Jimin chuckled lightly after dropping his clipboard on a table from finishing his rounds with you by his side and turning to elsewhere. "I've heard of them before but they don't necessarily exist around here do they?"

"They don't but there are tales of the scented candles being of great help to be of comfort for anyone in need." Your eyes widened at his words, feeling quite intrigued, and when Jimin turned back around with a few things in hand, your breath hitches. "The first person that came into mind was you when I heard about them," he told you with bright eyes smiling as he brought them on over towards the table at the center of the room. You followed him curiously, rounding yourself to stand beside him as he displayed the candles for you. "So I had one of our traveler dragons to bring them back when they had the time."

"Jimin..." You felt so touched by his kind thoughts for you you almost didn't know what to say towards the sweet gesture. But when he graced you with a tender smile upon your gaze on him, you were sure he understood your thankfulness towards him.

"If only we had these at the time when you were our prisoner." His face fell with slight dejection but you were quick to shake your head lightly.

"Having you to help me then was more than enough, Jimin, I promise. Then again," thinking back to that time, you giggled upon the memories, "would you guys have really wasted such precious things on me at the time?"

He sighed. "I'm glad we can joke about it now but looking back at it, we were so horribly rude to you I can't believe I let my emotions get the best of me."

"You were just worried for the little one."

He chuckled upon your words with a tousle to your hair. "I don't think Jungkook would appreciate someone smaller than him calling him the little one."

You gave him a pout. "And why not? You do it to him all the time."

"Because I'm his hyung. Though he does often tease me about it from time to time." You giggled knowingly, already picturing their small bickering when it came to the two of them and their banters. Having seen that, Jimin smiled from where he stood beside you and brought his hand behind your head in order to pull you close and place a sweet kiss on your forehead, surprising you and making your cheeks flare up at the sudden gesture without warning. He found it cute how you had yet to get used to their kisses whether unexpected or not but returned his eyes to the candles despite the shocking state you were still in.

"Shall we try one of them?"

With his question, you blinked in a daze before shaking your head to return to the subject, and with your cheeks still slightly flushed, your eyes darted back to the candles laying on the table. "There are so many different kinds," you observed with a slightly opened mouth of astonishment to which Jimin found adorable.

"I didn't know what kind of scent you'd prefer so I got the dragon to get a couple different kinds."

"Lots of them are flowery scents," you beamed under the lowlights of the dungeon as you went on to pick up the candles in order to observe them up close. Pulling them up close to your nose, you waft at them in order to get a sense of how each of them smelt, your expressions clearly pleased each time you got a new scent to try as Jimin simply stood there watching you, happiness blooming in his chest at just the sight of you so content. "They all smell so great even without it lit up."

Your face fell with furrowed brows as you stared at each of the candles, having a hard time choosing which one to try first and Jimin let out a laugh. "You're so cute," he said. "We can try every one of them now if you still have time to spare."

"I have all the time to spare!" You exclaimed almost a little too happy for someone who had come in the dungeons declaring the desire to help. But he knew that was just the way you were and for that alone, Jimin wasn't at all dissatisfied by it.

"Well then, since you're having a hard time choosing which one to try first, just close your eyes and choose."

"Good idea!"

Upon Jimin's suggestion, you quickly closed your eyes and hovered your hand over the candles, blindly searching over each one before you finally settled with the one to the far right. With that, you opened your eyes again and held that one up.

"Lavender," the dragon beside you stated.

"Lavender's wonderful!" You were quick to say with your eyes lighting up at the chosen one. "It helps relieve stress and anxiety," you let him know and his brows furrowed a little at your words.

"Are you having trouble, little one?" He asked, concerned.

"Oh no, not me," you quickly said with a shake of your head. "I want to share this with Namjoon because I know being a leader to a clan isn't always the easiest. He comes home later than every one of us after all and most times I'm already asleep by then. I haven't seen him around lately so I'm a little worried."

His eyes softened at your innocent kindness that never seemed to ever leave your heart no matter what and for that alone, Jimin almost believed that he was falling in love all over again. "We're so lucky to have you by our side."

You looked up at him and gave him a humble shake of your head. "It's the other way around," you smiled. "Do you think he'll appreciate it? Oh, but you got these for me as gifts."

"Don't worry, it's always best to share gifts like these with each other," he said while gently stroking your head. "I know Namjoon will be more than happy to receive this."

"Then shall we also choose candles for the others as well? I think it would be really incredible to build a storage room for scented candles so that whenever one of us needs it, we can always—"

"Before that."

"Hm?"

Innocently, you looked up from the candles to meet Jimin's gaze only to have your lips captured in a sweet kiss, leaving your breath to hitch and your eyes to widen as you froze right there at the unexpected kiss.

Jimin leaned away just enough to give you some space with a chuckle. "Your reactions will always please me."

"J-Jimin!"

"But," his brows furrowing slightly, he brought his hand over to slowly swipe his thumb along his lip as you simply stood there, staring at those plump lips of his, not knowing what to do, "I want more, little one."

"J.." Your cheeks brightened even more as your eyes were quick to avert to the ground upon meeting his eyes, causing him to let out another throaty chuckle.

"I love you."

He found it amusing in the way your face only seemed to flush even more each time he did and said something. Your eyes were shaking, not knowing where to look, and he was sure your head was swarming with thoughts of how to respond to him. Surely you were panicking upon whether to return those sweet three words or not and it brought a tug at the corner of his lips.

"Well?" He raised a brow, waiting for your permission.

You bit your lip, still contemplating, but Jimin went on to take the lavender-scented candle away from your grasp to place it back onto the table as he inched towards you in a sly manner.

"I..." You opened your mouth shyly.

"Yes?" He urged you on.

"I-I..." You stepped back out of panic but he followed right away. "Well..um..."

"Hm?"

Bravely, you looked up to meet his eyes head-on and Jimin smirked, satisfied with that. But still, he waited to hear your words and despite how slow you were with it, hearing it made him happy nonetheless.

"I love you too." You told him and he smiled, letting his hand trail down your face in a gentle possessive manner before leaning in and pressing his sweet lips to your own.

It's a gentle kiss like the gentleman he is and not long after your thoughts are filled with him and him alone.

.

.

"I can't wait to become an apprentice! I just know prince Namjoon will choose the perfect one for me!"

You giggled fondly at the little dragoness who sat beside you helping you with your duties as the two of you fold the blankets for the whelps together. "But before that, you will have to let him know what you want to be first, right?"

"Ah," she said, almost as if she had forgotten about the beginning steps first.

"Well?" You urged her on. "What would you like to be as part of the clan?"

She looked away thinking, her hands coming down to a stop on top of the white blanket that laid on her lap, her thoughts going on to stray away to the different duties every dragon has as a member of the clan.

"Unnie how did you choose what you wanted to do?" She asked you instead of answering, her decisions still unclear.

"Well," you started, ready to help her to try and decide, "I chose to be both Seokjin's underling and helping out with the whelps because I love helping. I guess it was easy to decide because, for one, I enjoy taking care of the whelps' needs, and two, I'm used to the herbs and remedies as I've often had to learn them myself without relying on others to help me heal when I needed it. Plus it comes in handy when the princes need to be tended to."

"You don't like just watching on the sideline and would rather be of help, huh?"

You nodded with a smile. "Tending to them makes me feel useful. I can protect them in that sense while they help to protect the clan as warriors themselves. I'd hate to just stand back and watch them in pain, not knowing how to help them. It'd feel worse than anything"

Haeun broke into a beaming smile at your answer. "Unnie, that sounds just like you."

You chuckled at her words and went on to tousle her hair. "You'll find your purpose one day soon. Take your time, no one is rushing you."

"Oh!" She let out a cute little gasp. "What if I worked as a caretaker as well? That way I can be of more help here in the roosts!"

"That sounds—"

"No."

The two of you turned at the voice to find Taehyung walking up with a slightly displeased expression as he handed little Kihyun to Haeun before shamelessly pulling you against his chest right in front of the kids.

"T-Taehyung!" You quickly gasped and were ready to push him away at the unexpected gesture. Only he wasn't going to let you go.

"You already spend too much time with my princess, you can't keep taking her away from me. I'm supposed to be the one who spends more time with her than anyone else, Haeun!"

You couldn't believe this was the reason for his refusal of Haeun's help but rather than taking him seriously, the dragoness let out an exasperated sigh as she stood from her spot with Kihyun in hand before purposely sticking her tongue out at the prince. "Sucks to be you then, my prince, because unnie likes me more than you anyways!"

He let out a dramatic gasp with the grip around you only tightening. "How dare you say such lies."

Yet she made no comebacks and simply ran away before Taehyung could scold her anymore.

You giggled at their little banter and turned around to face your lover with a sigh. "I would appreciate it if you kept the affections to a minimum in front of the little ones."

"Why should I? Those little dragons are already trying to steal you away. I'm just marking my territory so they know not to steal someone else's mate, especially one that belongs to a prince."

"You know they're just playing around."

"That's what they'd like you to think, those mischievous little brats."

You burst out laughing at how ridiculous he was, jealous of the little dragons and even having quite the serious pout plastered upon his face. You didn't know what to expect walking into the relationship but even so, everything had been so well you were glad to be able to laugh and smile along their sides no matter how many times you'd get flustered by the things they did.

Frowning at you for not taking him seriously, Taehyung grabbed a hold of your face in both his large palms and brought himself right in front of you, making your laughter cease almost instantly.

"Is it fun making me jealous?" The prince asked with a raised brow, suddenly giving you a deadpanned look you weren't sure what to think. "Hm, princess?"

Your eyes panned away from his out of panic, already afraid to be caught by the poor little dragons in case they stumbled upon the two of you. "Tae—"

"I'm right in front of you yet you're focusing on something else?"

"If the whelps catch us like this, I—" He brought your face forcibly back to face him again with a displeased expression that is quick to bring your voice quiet all over again. "Tae..." Seeing him like that was a little surprising to you. After all, despite the many months spent in the dragon clan, there was still so much you had yet to know of including how the princes would act as your lovers, and now that you were with them, it still felt a little unbelievable they would feel such love and possessiveness over you.

Maybe that was just the nature of dragons. Just as you've heard stories of them being quite possessive with their treasures, perhaps mating was just as if not more important.

Your faces were so close you were sure Taehyung could feel the heat of your cheeks against his palm. It made you even shyer so you looked away, not brave enough to keep eye contact for much longer, and just for that, he let out a knowing chuckle.

"You're so cute." His voice was low, quiet. "I don't want anyone else to see this side to you, princess. You're ours after all, aren't you?"

You ignored his words in an attempt to hide your embarrassment. "Don't you think, um...you're being a little too brave doing this right here?"

"I'm sure Haeun's got us covered."

"That's not—!" You grunted. "We can't let her watch the whelps all alone, you know that."

"Eh," he shrugged, not caring one bit, "she's a good kid. She'll take care of it. In the meantime—"

"Noona!!"

You were quick to gasp and pushed Taehyung away as soon as you heard the young voice calling your name. "Do you need something, Minho?" You asked, turning around as the little one ran up to you while you both ignored the cry of agony and frustration falling out of Taehyung's lips as he leaned back into one of the beds of the whelps, holding his face against his palm at the missed opportunity that was now ripped away from him.

"Noona I wanna play with you!" The little dragon exclaimed with a bright innocent grin plastered on his face but Taehyung knew it was anything but. As if to provoke the prince further, he grabbed ahold of your hands and dragged you off, not even sparing Taehyung a single glance, knowing fully well what he had just done.

.

.

"Y/N."

"Namjoon!" He saw you quick on your little feet as you ran up to him with a beaming smile that was just enough to slowly ease the weights resting on his shoulders. But he knew it wouldn't last forever despite wanting to keep seeing that precious smile of yours even if it meant for just one whole night, dreading for the time that was coming. "I was just looking around for you!"

He gave you a tender smile as he drew his hand along your face, stroking it gently. "Did you need me for something, dear one?"

"Mhm!" You took his hand, ready to run off. "Come here, I—"

But Namjoon pulled you back to stand right before him again, he himself not having moved one inch despite you just about to drag him away. "Can it wait?" He said, causing your smile to fall with a slight concern.

"Oh. Are you busy?"

He hated doing that to you. "I was just about to have Yoongi call for a clan meeting."

"Ah," you said, nodding. "Then I will wait for you in—"

"Actually."

"Hm?"

"I want you to attend the meeting."

That took you by surprise as your eyes widened a little, totally unaware that Namjoon would ask you to attend a clan meeting. Usually, he would have all the princes and his most trusted dragons together for a meeting first before letting the rest know of any news that would be important to announce. You've never attended any meetings before and there hadn't been one for a while so surely the things he had to discuss had to be important, right? So why would he ask you to attend?

Seeing the confusion written on your face, Namjoon began to explain. "You're our Keeper now, remember?" He said, reminding you of the ceremony that had taken place just a few weeks ago. "Must I keep reminding you that you are now very important to the dragon clans?"

"Well..." They've mentioned that but you have yet to know what exactly that title meant for you. "I haven't exactly done much, have I?"

"I know," he nodded, understanding. "Truthfully none of us truly understands how a human would prepare for this role but I need you to begin seeing this title as your new duty. I know you have the whelps to take care of and also work alongside Seokjin but being a Keeper will begin to take up the majority of your time now. I need you to be prepared for anything, Y/N."

"I..." The serious gaze he held for you made you understand how crucial it was but still, you couldn't find the answer as to why. "I don't understand."

Namjoon nodded again. "It is best to let everyone know first before you ask your questions." He took your hand and began leading you towards the one room you hadn't exactly been to before; the meeting hall. "But just know that from now on, the Keeper will be attending every meeting that is to be held."

Knowing your questions would be answered soon, you gave him a nod. "Okay."

The meeting hall was a grand hall that laid a large table right in the middle with twelve chairs surrounding it all together. Seeing it up close and personal itself, you could understand just how serious the meeting was going to be. Even Taehyung himself who had already taken his place towards one of the ends held a grim expression.

But upon seeing you walk in with Namjoon at your side, his face lit up just the slightest bit.

"You look tense," he joked as if trying to ease your nerves with his little jokes. "It's alright, princess," the dragon assured you with a soft smile as he held his hand out to offer you a seat beside him. You easily took his hand, allowing him to guide you to the chair beside him as the others began to file in.

Hoseok took his place on your other side with a grin. "First time here?" He asked almost flirtatiously and made you let out a giggle.

Not long after the meeting began.

"The three clans have gotten news of me declaring Y/N as Keeper of the Dragons." You could feel all eyes turning to you at the report that left Namjoon's lips and just for that, you felt a weird feeling drop within your stomach but you weren't sure exactly what you were supposed to feel.

Was it a good thing? Or not?

Weren't the Clans all connected in one way or another despite them ruling their own skies and mountains? Questions swarmed in your head and you were suddenly realizing just how much you didn't know about lots of things that were important to the clan.

Sensing your confusion, Namjoon began to explain. "There are four main clans. The East, the West, the North, and the South. The other clans that exist are the smaller clans that protect other areas that are not covered by the four major clans. The warriors live protecting our territories in order to maintain the lands that were given to us from the first beginning wars many years ago. We are allowed to go to war with any smaller clan to gain land if we wish to do so, but none of us are allowed to attack any of the major clans so that no one clan becomes one over the other and dictates the rest."

"Hence that's where gaining a Keeper poses a problem, doesn't it, my prince?"

You turned your head at the warrior that had spoken. "It..does?"

He sent you a conflicted expression. "Us major clans may not be allowed to attack the others to maintain order but there are other ways to gain power and look slightly better than the rest."

"And one way by doing that is having our ancestor warriors accept a Keeper into one of the clans," another warrior added.

You were posing a problem as a Keeper already? Just by existing? Did that mean you'd have to leave in order to not cause more problems and potentially be the reason the clans may go to war?

Seeing those worried brows furrowing, Seokjin turned back to Namjoon. "The clans have given you their answers, I am sure. What did they say?"

With Seokjin's question, the attention returned to the high prince once again.

"They will accept the Keeper as long as we grant them the permission to use her in the case of any major wars."

Jungkook abruptly stood up in protest. "No!" He said in a thunderous tone with a face filled with rage at the thought of even bringing you to the wars. "I will not allow anyone to use Y/N in any way shape or form even if it comes to our own wars."

"But the Keeper has her powers to protect herself and the ones beside her."

"Y/N doesn't know how to use her powers yet," he was quick to dismiss the thought.

Meanwhile, you look at Hoseok and Taehyung beside you with confusion at this so-called power of yours. You really possessed powers now? And as if reading your thoughts, the two of them gave you a silent nod both firmly to let you know that all of this was real.

"She can learn."

"And she will."

"Whether she learns it well or not does not mean I will let anyone take advantage of her and put her life at risk. Y/N's already gone through so much, you can't just expect her to suddenly be thrown into the middle of our clan's problems."

But you were the root of the problem so it only made sense. And you were sure you weren't the only one thinking that as you looked around the room, noticing the hesitation in the warrior's expressions as some of them felt conflicted on whether to voice their true opinion on the matter or not since they all knew you were the lover of the princes.

Sighing silently with worry, you spared a glance towards Namjoon who seemed to be the one in the most conflicted position. After all, as leader of the East Clan, he had to consider both sides to the problem while also needing to take in the other clan's words without dismissing it so easily.

As you sat there while the debate continued on, you realized that the only way the clan could have accepted you at all was to become a Keeper. That was the only position available to you as a human in order to be someone not only the East Clan could trust but the rest of the clans as well. Which also meant that this was Namjoon's way of protecting you. Because as Keeper, you were given the power to protect not just the people around you but yourself as well.

"Hyung." Jungkook turned back to Namjoon, wanting the leader to declare the words of declining the other clan's orders but you knew it wasn't going to be that easy of a decision.

The room fell silent again as the youngest of the prince addressed the leader who sat tall in his seat at the end of the table. His gaze remained grim with both his hands clasped together in front of him with silent thoughts swarming in his head.

It remained that way for a while, the room waiting for Namjoon to speak.

He closed his eyes for a second before sitting back tall against his seat and looking up to rest his gaze right on you. Your heart skipped a beat, not knowing what he was going to ask of you or if he had come up with a decision, and whatever it was, you knew you had to be prepared.

"Y/N," he called, voice uttered in a low octave.

"Yes?" You were almost too afraid of what his next words were going to be but this was Namjoon you were talking about. You knew you could trust him with your whole life. The two of you went through danger together, helped each other up, carried one another, and made it out alive in the end. You knew more than anyone that he wouldn't purposely lead you to danger. After all, even though he had hated you then, he still protected you from that great fall because he knew you were special to Jungkook.

If there was anyone you could trust, it would be Namjoon.

"The wars that the dragon clans may involve themselves in can be quite brutal," he told you. "There will be enemy dragons far more dangerous than the ones that had attacked both you and Seokjin. You have to, however, be rest assured that our own warriors are far stronger than you can ever imagine. I will do all that I can to negotiate with the other three clans but be prepared to know that you may be needed in one of the wars in the future."

"Namjoon—"

He held a hand up to silence Jungkook without ever diverting his gaze from you. "No dragon that belongs to the clans, whether that of the major clans or the smaller ones, will ever dare to harm you. Every dragon knows not to try and harm a Keeper who lives to protect them. So if and when the wars ever come, will you give your complete trust to us in due time just as the clans will do the same with you?"

Seeing that complete resolve in Namjoon's eyes which hides no lies upon his vow to keep you from harm's way, you knew your answer.

"More than anything, I will entrust my life to the clans."

Proud with your reply, Namjoon let himself give you a faint smile in return.

"This will mean the clans will want to meet her, won't they?" Jimin spoke up upon the possibility and returning to his serious expression once again, Namjoon gave a nod.

"The Keeper has much to learn then."

"That's right."

Customs and courtesies along with the history of the Clans and their origins. Adding along with your training as a Keeper, the need to protect the dragon clans. You had much to do but you knew running away from it wasn't going to happen so you sat there with a resolved look in your eyes, letting the dragons know that you were going to do it all if it meant protecting them.

They smiled knowingly, proud to have you as their Keeper.

.

.

"Can't sleep?"

Namjoon's eyes turned tender upon the sight of you joining him out on the balcony later that night. He held out a hand for you to take and you gladly accepted it with no protest, allowing him to bring you forward and wrap his arms around you to keep you warm from the night breeze.

It remained silent for a while with the two of you just basking in each other's warmth, comfortable with just the sound of the crickets chirping under the night sky filled with the light of the twinkling stars.

"I'm sorry," he whispered a moment later and you turned to look up at him with confusion.

"For what?"

"When I gave you the title as Keeper of the Dragons, I should have asked you about it all first instead of just deciding it all on my own," he told you with a grim expression resting on his face. "Now you're going to have to face some challenges that you weren't prepared for."

His voice was soft against the wind, but you could hear the guilt and heavy stress weighing against him, letting you know that he had been worrying about you with all of this now going on. The other three clans weren't going to give in to his negotiations that easily but Namjoon would be working hard just for the sake of you and for that you knew all you wanted to do at that moment was to ease his burdens.

"It's okay," you told him softly as you leaned against his chest to let him understand that you weren't blaming him for any of it. "You gave me a place in your clan and that is more than enough."

"Being a Keeper is not going to be easy on you. Whether it was the only title I could give you as a human or not, this will only make things harder on you."

You chuckled a little at those words. "You know more than anyone nothing has been easy for me in the first place."

"Exactly." He let out a sigh as his arms around you tightened with worry. "This isn't exactly helping."

"As a Keeper, no one can hurt me, right?"

"You're going to have to learn to defend and use your powers first."

"Mhm," you nodded. "And I will."

"I know you will Y/N, and I trust you with all that I have," he acknowledged without any doubt. "I know that despite the situation you're suddenly placed in, the burdens you will have to face as a Keeper, you won't let any of that get to you and will do all that you can do for the clan. But," he gave you a squeeze, holding you tighter as if to silently tell you how afraid he was knowing he had no choice but to send you away as a leader who had to make the best decisions for everyone, "truthfully I wanted to agree with Jungkook and straight-up refuse the thought of even involving you in any future wars. The little one knows you best. He's seen through it all, feels the most guilty out of any of us for not being able to protect you as well as we should have. And I know you don't blame him, none of us does, he was after all the one who fought so hard for your life. But because he had to go through that, Jungkook will be the one to suffer the most when we have to send you off to fight."

You understood that. You understood the fact that Jungkook's heart was so big he wanted to protect everyone he could with his power. He was there beside you, always feeling helpless he couldn't do much to help you in your situation knowing he had been less powerful than the rest of his hyungs, but even then, you would never blame him because none of it was his fault.

He was a kind, gentle, and loving dragon who refused to let any of his lovers get hurt. But you understood where Namjoon was coming from and knew this wasn't going to be easy at all.

"I will tell you this though," you looked up at the leader whose eyes were already on yours with a firm resolve in his eyes. "As the leader of the Eastern Clan and as your lover, I will not let anything happen to you no matter what we will face in the future. So can you place your faith in me and do your part knowing I will be standing right beside you in all of this?"

"Namjoon..." Dealing with the Clans and potentially needing to be used in some of the future wars would not be easy, you knew, but you also knew that you weren't going to be alone. So you gave him a firm nod, knowing more than anyone that you could trust him. "Of course."

He leaned in to place a kiss on your head. "That's all I need to hear."

.

.

The days grew longer and longer as you took your duties off as Seokjin's assistance and the caretaker of the whelps in order to begin your training as the true Keeper of the Dragons.

You were given a teacher who taught you the history of the Clans and common customs and courtesies to prepare you for the meeting of the other three clans and had to face a challenge in trying to understand how the previous Keeper had lived.

None of it was easy, knowing you would be alone throughout most of it because the dragons themselves had no idea of how to train someone with a position they've never had to face. So you spent most of your time in the large library mostly to yourself with lessons after lessons on the history of the Clans and the first Keeper of the Dragons.

Given the ability to wield the power to physically protect someone while having no idea how to use or control it was hard for a beginner like you, but you knew you couldn't give up so easily because this was now your duty. You couldn't let your clan down nor disappoint anyone.

Everyone believed in you, it was your duty to show them that you were capable of this position without any doubt.

If the other three clans blindly trusted in you to the point of potentially asking you for aid in future wars then you could not let them see you as a weak and vulnerable human who would make excuses on how hard it was. You had to prove yourself to everyone.

Not just your princes, not just your clan nor the other three clans, but to yourself as well.

You were going to face this head-on, knowing it was your duty to protect the dragons now as Keeper of the Dragons.

.

.

"Tired?"

You quickly shook your head as you headed back to the private chambers after another long day of studying. With a big smile plastered on your face, you knew you couldn't let them worry over you so much.

"I'm perfect!" You said to Yoongi who held on to a skeptical expression.

"Well that's true but," he held his hand up to stroke your hair with eyes that didn't blindly believe you so easily, "you know it's okay to say when you're tired, right? You have it very rough right now, after all. We can all see it."

"Well I'm a little tired," you admitted sheepishly, knowing you couldn't hide anything from them as he brought you in to hold you in his arms soon after. "But it's been going well, I promise."

"I don't doubt that." Seokjin came up from behind you to place a kiss on your head. When you looked up at him, his eyes were just as concerned as Yoongi's. "I know you're a smart girl who is stronger than anyone I've ever met, however, you must remember to not push yourself too hard."

"You often go to the extremes for others, that's why we're so worried, princess," Taehyung said.

"If it becomes too difficult to face this all on your own, you have to tell us," Jimin chimed in. "Preparing for battles is not easy but doing this as a Keeper is something beyond our own imaginations. We may not understand some things but we're right here for you, okay?"

"Once you're done with the first steps of knowing how to defend and use your powers as a Keeper, the next step is learning how we fight our wars."

"I'm sorry," Namjoon said after Hoseok, looking the most worried out of them all since he was the one to have given you the title. "This is a lot more than I thought it'd be."

"I promise I'm alright," you said with sincerity at their concern for you. You hated seeing them like that but you knew it was coming from a good place. "Learning to protect the Clans is a privilege. I'm honored to be a Keeper. I won't let you down."

"Y/N."

You turned to the sound of the last prince to speak and saw the way he stood a bit further from the rest of you, an unsettling uneasiness clear on his face as his brows furrowed while he refused to look at you at first. It was silent for a moment as you waited for Jungkook to speak.

When he finally managed to look up and meet your face, you could see how much this was affecting him and felt your heart drop at just the sight alone. Jungkook was so worried about you.

He held his hand out, eyes averting from yours again but still, you took it without hesitation, letting the youngest prince have his way with pulling you into his strong arms. You couldn't see it from where you stood just seconds ago but now that you were in his arms, you could feel the way he was trembling slightly as he held you.

"'Please," he whispered as he let his cheek rest against your head, "if it's too hard you have to let us know. You can't lie to us no matter what. If you don't want to do this anymore then just say the word and we'll take care of it. But I know that is not something you'd ever do because you are much too noble for that so please...please don't push yourself too hard for any of our sakes. If you go too far you'll hurt yourself. So this time, this time I won't let you get too far. I promise I'll uphold my words and protect you. So please rely on me. Okay?"

You knew to some extent that Jungkook worried the most out of everyone but hearing those words coming out of his mouth, feeling the slight trembling of his body, you knew how scared he was right now. So worried, so afraid.

He loved you so much so you knew you couldn't do something that would make him think you were only going to make things harder for yourself.

You stepped back just enough to face him again where you reached up to hold his face in your hand. His eyes were filled with so much grief you wished you could just take all those worries away in a blink of an eye. But it wasn't going to be that easy. Despite that, however, you knew you had to do something to ease the pain even if it meant a small dose.

"I promise, Jungkook. I won't go too far this time."

"Good." He said and buried his face against the crook of your neck, his breath shaky as he let out a sigh. "Good."

"How about this?" Witnessing that moment between the two of you, Namjoon spoke up. "You should take a break tomorrow. You've been working non-stop these past few weeks after all."

"Hm?" You turned to Namjoon with a slight confusion while Jungkook remained in your arms, refusing to let you go anytime soon. "But—"

"The clan haven't seen you in a while since you've been buried in the library almost every day since your training started. I'm sure they've missed you."

"That's right," Taehyung let out a sigh at just the reminder of the little whelps demanding him questions after questions on when they were ever going to see you again. "You know more than anyone how much those little whelps love you. They've been asking for you since the day you started your training and Haeun isn't making things any easier. She's gotten so grumpy I can't keep handling all of them on my own."

You laughed lightly upon the mention of the little ones, already picturing them complaining to Taehyung and bouncing around him for answers about you.

"Everyone knows you're working so hard right now," Yoongi stated with a firm nod. "You should take tomorrow to catch up on things and take things easy. They've all missed you."

"I suppose a day wouldn't hurt."

"Then it's settled." With that, Namjoon gave you a faint smile as he walked up to both you and Jungkook, giving you a kiss to your head before gently patting Jungkook's head. He looked up, still slightly upset about this whole thing. "Y/N's going to be okay," the leader vowed firmly. "Everyone's looking out for her."

"Mhm," you nodded with a smile. "So don't worry too much, okay?"

He took a moment to stare at the kind smile you gave him and seeing how sincere you both were, Jungkook began to look relieved as his face relaxed for the first time in a while. "Okay," he sighed with a small smile of his own. "I'm proud of you."

Your heart blossomed with love.

.

.

Two weeks later, you were to leave to meet the three clans of the North, South, and West.

Dressed in formal wear, you took a deep breath as you stared out at the view of the horizon from the mountain top, knowing this would be the first time you would be leaving the mountain and being gone for a while.

"Are you ready?" You turned at the voice of Hoseok who stood tall beside Namjoon as the two of them would be the ones to accompany you on the journey. Behind them stood the rest of the princes and the clan to bid their farewells and wait for your return. Scanning the crowd, you could see some faces of worry and decided to give them all your usual kind smile.

"I have Namjoon and Hoseok with me, you can all stop looking at me like I'm already going out for war," you said with a small laugh to lighten the dampened mood. "I will be alright," you give them the vow with confidence in order to ensure that they did not have to worry too much.

It seemed to have worked since many of their faces began to lighten up again.

"We will be waiting for your return."

"Please stay safe."

"Send word if anything goes wrong. We'll be ready for anything."

You laughed again. "You all worry too much."

"For good reason." Seokjin walked up looking slightly grumpy. "We're sending our Keeper away after all."

"They won't do anything to me, I'm just going to be meeting them so that they will know who the Keeper is," you reminded him.

"I'm surprised you can be so calm." Truthfully despite Jimin's words, you were quite worried but you knew you couldn't show that now. It wouldn't be the best thing to do knowing the clan themselves were already concerned. "You're so brave, little one."

"Mhm," you nodded at his words with a confident grin. "So trust me a little more, hm?"

"Stay safe, princess," Taehyung told you as he gently tousled your hair.

"I will."

Meeting both Namjoon and Hoseok's gaze, there seemed to be some sort of a silent conversation going on as Yoongi met their gazes before he turned to you with a small smile. "We'll be waiting for you."

"Mhm," you smiled.

"I love you," Jungkook whispered before turning to Namjoon and Hoseok. "You too," he said. "Be careful out there."

"Of course," Hoseok nodded.

"Shall we go? We must reach the Southern Clan before the sun sets." Upon those words of Namjoon's the clan tensed up again along with an odd feeling dropping along your stomach. But you knew you had to do this whether it was scary or not. It was important to the future of the clans after all.

Once both Namjoon and Hoseok transformed into their respective dragon forms, you gave the clan a formal bow of respect. "I shall return in time."

With that, you climbed onto Hoseok's back and the two of them took off riding into the sky, leaving the Eastern Dragon Clan behind.

#bts polyamory #bts poly #bts poly au #bts ot7 x reader #bts polyamorous #bts poly!au #bts x reader #poly!bts #poly!bts x reader #bts poly relationship #bts fantasy au #bts dragon au #bts dragon!au #dragon!bts #dragon!bts x reader #bts imagine #bts fanfic #bts fluff #bts angst #bts series #bts scenario #namjoon x reader #seokjin x reader #yoongi x reader #hoseok x reader #jimin x reader #taehyung x reader #jungkook x reader

[thatmultifandomhoe]

Wish Upon a Star

Our childhoods began with the magic that was found within these movies. Whether it be Disney, Pixar, or Studio Ghibli, our love has not once wavered. We’ve grown, and dare we say that we’ve matured, but there’s still a special place in our hearts for our favorite movies.

Except, these movies now have a twist.

We are no longer kids.

Welcome to Wish Upon a Star, where your favorite childhood movie finally grew up.

Disclaimer: The following stories are a combination of SFW, NSFW, or a combination of both.

Wish Upon A Star is collaboration of works containing stories based on some of our favorite movies from Disney, Pixar, and Studio Ghibli.

Writers from both the BTS Fic Hub and BTS Smut Hub servers (founded by @gukyi​​) have come together to write stories for the month of January. While this event is not directly affiliated with these servers, please feel free to check them out!

Name of the Game by @ggukcangetit​​​​

Movie: Anastasia

Starring: Seokjin and Reader

Summary: The Hotel - Strange, The Manager - Far Too Charming, The Situation - Dire, The One in Trouble - You.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 9th.

Two Birds, One Cake: by @pajaritojin​​

Movie: Brave

Starring: Prince Seokjin and Witch Reader

Summary: After Seokjin fails to return his mother to her human state because Y/N gave him the wrong spell, he is forced to release the Queen into the wilderness whilst he tracks down Y/N.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 20th.

That Famous Happy Ending by: @jinpanman​​

Movie: Enchanted

Starring: Seokjin and Reader

Summary: You don't know what you expected when you followed the Prince to Andalasia... but of all things, you didn't expect to fall for him and his kingdom so quickly.

Rating: SFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 21st.

The Medallion Calls by: @pajaritojin​​

Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean

Starring: Captain Seokjin and Governor Reader

Summary: Upon Seokjin’s wash up to shore after months of being lost in a wrecked boat, the town is attacked by a crew of pirates. Kidnapping Governor Y/L/N Y/N, the crew of pirates flee — leaving her friends and Seokjin to rescue her and keep the town at peace.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 29th.

The End of the Fucking World (or: the Alpacalypse) by: @hauntedlilies​

Movie: The Emperor's New Groove

Starring: Seokjin and Reader

Summary: Over the past few years your life has been slowly falling apart. You didn't think it could get any worse — until your father comes home with a talking llama alpaca who claims he's the emperor of a lost civilization. But is he really who he says he is?

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 22nd.

The Ghosts of Daegu Town by: @cremeandsuga​​

Movie: Monsters Inc.

Starring: Ghost Yoongi and Phasmophobic Reader

Summary: For the last 18 years, Min Yoongi had been appointed Resident Ghoul for his Scare Ratings. He managed to scare the life out of everyone…except when your door came down before him.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 24th.

Second Star to the Right by: @thatlongspringnight​​

Movie: Peter Pan

Starring: Yoongi and Reader

Summary: Min Yoongi never believed in magic, but all it takes is a found shadow and one very frustrating girl to turn his world upside down. The real question remains: Will he keep that magic in his heart and choose to stay in Neverland, or will he abandon this magical world and the girl he's grown to love?

Rating: Combo

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 3rd.

Basil & Beliefs by: @cremeandsuga​​

Movie: Ratatouille

Starring: Sous Chef Yoongi and Heir Reader

Summary: When the long lost daughter of Gusteau reappears and gets hired at his restaurant, she is expected to stay quiet and stay out of the spotlight — but her and her server friend Seokjin can’t do anything to stay out of the eyes of the sous chef, Min Yoongi.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 14th.

A Restless Slumber by: @wwilloww​​

Movie: Sleeping Beauty

Starring: Yoongi and Reader

Summary: When one of you is always asleep, spending quality time together becomes easier to do in dreamworld.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 1st.

Coral Subconscious by: @hermosohoseok​​

Movie: Finding Nemo

Starring: Mermaid Hoseok and Mermaid Reader

Summary: When Y/L/N Y/N swims past Hoseok’s reef and saves his mother from the teeth of their terrorizing resident barracuda, he can’t help but feel indebted.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 15th.

Cactus by @hesperantha​​​

Movie: Fantasia

Starring: Hoseok and Reader

Summary: Meeting a stranger at the club turns into an adventure. Starring Mickey!Hoseok, featuring Yensid!Namjoon.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 2nd

Bare Necessities by: @hermosohoseok​​

Movie: Jungle book

Starring: Bear Aspect Hoseok and Adult Mowgli Reader

Summary: After Y/N’s life is threatened by resident Tiger Aspects Yoongi and Taehyung, Y/N is forced to vacate the jungle and leave behind her friends. Along the way, she finds the bear that saved her as a baby.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 27th.

Smutocchio by @jinpanman​​

Movie: Pinocchio

Starring: Hoseok and Reader

Summary: You didn’t mean to fall for the growing dick man.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 13th.

A little less than 101 Meetings to fall in love: by @thatlongspringnight​​

Movie: 101 Dalmatians

Starring: Namjoon and Reader

Summary: Kim Namjoon has seen enough of the world to know two thing, dogs always look like their owners, and he's going to be perennially single. A chance meeting at the park changes at least one of those ideas forever.

Rating: Combo

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 10th.

The Aftermath: by @queridonamjoon​​

Movie: Big Hero 6

Starring: Engineer Namjoon and Friend Version Tadashi Reader

Summary: After Y/N dies in an attempt to save Namjoon, his dreams are nothing more than memories of her and their adventures together — so he builds Y/N prototypes for every scenario, in which he will always be able to save her.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 26th.

One Cube At A Time: by @queridonamjoon​​

Movie: Wall-E

Starring: Cyborg Namjoon and Cyborg Reader

Summary: Namjoon is the only functioning being left on planet Earth — imagine his surprise when he is made aware of a completely different world just a few galaxies away.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 11th.

Otherworldly Lovin’ by @thatmultifandomhoe​​

Movie: Flubber

Starring: Alien Taehyung and Human Reader

Summary: Not only did he crash land into you yard, but he also crashed right into your heart...among other places.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 6th.

In The Doghouse: by @mariposatae​​

Movie: Lady & the Tramp

Starring: Dog Hybrid Taehyung and Dog Hybrid Reader

Summary: After Y/N finds herself in some hot water with Jungkook and her housemates, she must trust from afar as they find a mate for her in a serial monogamist with a knack for knocking up.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 25th.

Bad Stitch 2.0: by @jinpanman​​

Movie: Lilo and Stitch

Starring: Taehyung and Reader

Summary: You and Taehyung finally get the house to yourselves and you’re not going to let it go to waste.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 5th.

Blood from The Emperor: by @mariposatae​​

Movie: Mulan

Starring: Solider Taehyung and Solider/Princess Reader.

Summary: Y/L/N Y/N is the only daughter to The Emperor, and when she escapes her luxurious life in the palace to join the military, Kim Taehyung is the one to discover her.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 12th.

Had it Been Another Day by @ggukcangetit​​

Movie: The Princess and the Frog

Starring: Taehyung and Reader

Summary: When the universe hated you enough to pair you with the most obnoxious guy in your class, for a project that would decide your future but had no such implications for him.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 16th

Fairy Wings: by @ezralia-writes​​

Movie: Tinkerbell

Starring: Taehyung and Reader

Summary: "You should have never crossed the border," he choked out, "I should've known better to stop this before it even began."

Rating: SFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 30th.

Unholy Lightning: by @sunnydelightjimin​​

Movie: How to Train Your Dragon

Starring: Lightfury Hybrid Jimin and Nightfury Hybrid Reader

Summary: Y/L/N Y/N was taught to soar in the clearest of skies and attack in the deadliest situations — crazy how she has a tendency to flip those in her mind.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 17th.

Chasing Waves by @magicalcrwn​​

Movie: The Little Mermaid

Starring: Jimin and Reader

Summary: From a young age, their curiosity grows stronger. For the human princess who has always been interested in the ocean’s secrets, for the merprince who has always been interested in the surface’s life. What would happen once they finally chase the waves to sate their curiosity?

Rating: SFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 18th.

Lava In The Afternoon: by @sunnydelightjimin​​

Movie: The Incredibles

Starring: Immortal Superhero Jimin and Immortal Villain Reader

Summary: Y/L/N Y/N has terrorized the City of Seoul for generations alongside her friends — and Jimin has been tired of fighting her time and time again.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 28th.

The First Snow: by @carinojungkook​​

Movie: Bambi

Starring: Rabbit Aspect Jungkook and Deer Aspect Reader

Summary: When the daughter of The Great Prince is presented before the forest on the day of the First Snow, Jungkook finds himself enamored with the doe eyes filled with fire.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 19th.

The Fourth Unforgivable by @ggukcangetit​​

Movie: The Lion King

Starring: Jungkook and Reader

Summary: Seven years is a long time. Enough to bring about many changes - new laws, dangerous associations, and the return of the one you had forced yourself to forget.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 23rd

Moves Like An Ape, Looks Like a Man by @carinojungkook​​​

Movie: Tarzan

Starring: Tarzan Jungkook, and Animal Researcher Reader,

Summary: When animal researcher best friends Y/L/N Y/N and Kim Namjoon are sent on an expedition to gather information on the gorillas of West Africa, they aren’t expecting anything but — and yet, are met with none other than Jeon Jungkook.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 8th.

Abstract Thought: by @milktbaby​​

Movie: Inside Out

Starring: Emotion OT7 and Student Reader

Summary: When Y/L/N Y/N is leaving her hometown of Busan for university, she is faced with a series of unexpected events that make her realize she’s not where she needs to be.

Rating: NSFW

Being Released to a Theater Near You: January 31st.

You’re never too old to find yourself wishing upon a star.

#wishuponastarcollab #bts #bangtan #bangtan sonyeondan #bangtan sonyeondan fanfiction #bts fanfiction #bts fan fic #bts fandom #bts fan fiction #bts fanfic #bts kim namjoon #bts min yoongi #bts kim seokjin #bts kim taehyung #bts park jimin #bts jeon jungkook #bts jung hoseok #bts namjoon #bts seokjin #bts suga #bts v #bts jimin #bts jung jungkook #bts jhope #Namjoon fanfiction #yoongi fanfic #hoseok fanfic #seokjin fanfiction #jungkook fanfic #jimin fanfic

[here4theheartbreak]

Jeon Jungkook Masterlist

Key - be aware that this key is only a vague indicator of content, read any warnings on fics you intend to read.

🍭 - Fluff only - G or T; may include some innuendo/suggestiveness but nothing graphic.

🔥 - Smut - Explicit fics; includes graphic adult content

💔 - Angst - Ratings vary, has some level of drama/sadness/upset

😂 - Crackfic - Ratings vary, primarily humorous

📚 - Series/Chapter - Denotes a chapter fic, does not speak to content

Jungkook x Namjoon (Namkook)

🍭Lilies and Leather - Namjoon hated being a wolf. He was dangerous, frightening, and a monster. So he isolated himself from the humans he could potentially hurt. And it worked fine, until Jungkook. (fluff, werewolf au, first kiss, scenting, getting together)

🔥 Sleepy - Namjoon knows Jungkook is much kinkier than he lets on. And tonight is the night he might just make his boyfriend's dreams come true. (PWP, consensual somnophilia, sleeping sex, dirty talk)

🔥 Euphoria - Jungkook has had a crush on the leader of BTS since forever. Now that Namjoon is helping write his solo for the upcoming album, this could be his perfect chance. (getting together, first time)

🍭 The Fairy Garden - When Namjoon opened The Fairy Garden, the last customer he expected was an actual fairy. (fluff, getting together, fairy!Jungkook)

🍭Crowded Busses & Sleepy Bunnies - Namjoon hates Halloween. But that opinion might change when that very holiday changes his life. (fluff, coffeeshop au (sorta), no smut, getting together)

🔥 Weak - Jungkook is determined to make Namjoon’s most hidden fantasy come true for his birthday. (PWP, cuckolding, consensual humiliation, degradation, dirty talk, name-calling, rough sex, bareback, coming untouched, crying, multiple partners, voyeurism, Jungkook x Yoongi, Jungkook x Jimin)

🔥 Bewitched by Babysitter - Namjoon is a young, single father who is set up on a blind date. He needs a babysitter, and his friend knows just the man to help. (fluff, getting together, dad Namjoon, college student Jungkook, dirty talk, rough sex)

Seokjin x Jungkook (Jinkook)

 🔥 Dizzy Spell - Jungkook decides to try a new toy. He goes a little too hard, and ends up not feeling so good. And of course he runs to the eldest brother for comfort. (PWP, asphyxiation, dirty talk)

🔥 Wrong Number - When Jin receives a dick pic from an unknown number, his curiosity is stirred. But maybe this stranger isn't such a stranger after all. (PWP, college au, sexting, dick pics, rough sex, face-fucking) 

🔥 Stuck - Jungkook gets himself a little stuck. Good thing Jin is there to help. (PWP, under-negotiated kink, gaping, dirty talk)

🔥 Eat the Rich - Jungkook had a mission. That mission may involve killing people and burying the bodies. It’s going great… Until the bodies go missing. (dark au, smut, cannibalism, serial killers, vigilantism, dark humor) 

🔥 Just Called to Say Hi - Jungkook has the dorm to himself and decides to take advantage. Then Jin calls. (PWP, phone sex, dirty talk)

🔥 When Your Nightmare is a Fantasy - It’s Halloween, and Jungkook convinces Jin to go to a haunted house. But everything isn’t quite as innocent as it seems. (Dubious Consent, Horrorporn, Fear Kink, Masked Sex, Knifeplay, Bloodplay, Breathplay, Dirty Talk, Roleplaying, Rough Sex, Sex Toys)

🔥 Warm Beach Afternoons - It’s far too hot for any sort of nonsense, Jin thinks. Jungkook has other ideas. (PWP, cockwarming, dirty talk, watersports, Omorashi, deepthroating, semi-public)

🔥Night Sparks - Jin can’t stand the dragon living next to him; he’s loud and obnoxious and gorgeous and smart and funny and– He’s nothing but trouble. (Hybrid AU, Neighbors AU, Enemies to Lovers, Non-Traditional ABO Dynamics, Alpha/Alpha Relationship, Breeding Kink, Dirty Talk, Aggression, Displays of Dominance, Fist Fights, Name Calling, Submission, Knotting, Rough Sex)

🔥📚Under His Mask - Jungkook's luck is on his side when he wins a raffle hosted by his favorite camboy. The winning prize is a chance to sleep with him on camera. But when Jungkook finally gets to meet the handsome performer face to face, they realize they aren't the strangers that they thought they were. (Angst, Fluff, Smut, Camboy AU, Transgender Jin, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Dirty Talk, Rough Sex, Switch Jin, Switch Jungkook)

Jungkook x Yoongi (Yoonkook)

🔥 Risk Takers - Yoongi knows clubs are a risk. But he's willing to take it. Unfortunately, so is someone very close to him.. (PWP, glory hole, anonymous sex) 

💔 Broken Dolls - Yoongi breaks everything he touches, even the one he loves the most. (HYYH au, mature, angst, suicide attempt, self-harm, alcohol use, near death experience)

🔥The Devil Inside - Yoonji knows she is ready to take the next step with Jungkook. But are they both ready for the consequences? (fem AU, demon AU, smut, fem!Yoongi, pregnancy)

🍭 Trouble - Jungkook wants a kitten. And what Jungkook wants, Jungkook gets… Even if Yoongi doesn’t know it. (fluff, slice of life, vague mentions of sex)

🔥💔 📚 Moonlight Remains the Same - Jungkook spent his entire life forced to be someone he wasn’t. Enrolling in an all male college where nobody knows his old pronouns, he finally has a chance to be the guy he’s always been inside. Jungkook only has two goals his first year: excelling academically and keeping his past private. But his plans get a little tougher when he ends up rooming with Yoongi, a basketball star with a rotten attitude and a superiority complex. Can Jungkook keep the turmoil in his world (and his heart) to a minimum as he learns there might be more to Yoongi than meets the eye? Or will it all come crashing down around him? (chapter fic, slow burn, college AU, transgender character, enemies to friends to lovers, To the Beautiful You AU, angst, homophobia, transphobia, bullying, smut, happy ending)

🔥 Rest, Relaxation... And Exploration - Jungkook knows that Yoongi needs a break, and wants to help him relax. He just hadn’t planned on THAT kind of relaxing. collaboration with @i-live-so-i-love (friends to lovers, Nephilim Jungkook, monster/human romance, mutual masturbation, tentacle monster)

Hoseok x Jungkook (Hopekook)

🔥 Accident - Jungkook is desperate in more ways than one. (PWP, light D/s, watersports, rough sex, dirty talk, wetting)

😂 The Chili Accident - Jungkook and Hoseok get a rare day off and know exactly what to do with it. Unfortunately for Jungkook, Hoseok was in a hurry. (Fluff, Slice of Life, Humor, Enemas, Pain (not the sexy kind), Food (again not the way you think), Crackfic)

Jimin x Jungkook (Jikook)

🔥 Mutual - Jimin suggests mutual masturbation. It goes a little further than planned. (PWP, no penetrative sex, handjobs, dirty talk)

🍭Espresso-ly for You - The new coffeeshop in town has a brew-tiful barista. He just doesn’t know it. (fluff, getting together, coffee shop AU)

🍭Rainstorm - Jimin’s had just about enough of Big Hit’s golden maknae. (fluff, getting together) 

🔥 Different - Jimin hates Alphas. But unfortunately - sometimes they’re useful… And fortunately, sometimes they’re different. (ABO au, knotting, watersports)

🔥 Wolf Boy - Jimin has a very specific kink. Jungkook decides tonight’s the night to oblige him. (pwp, werewolf au, rough sex, sex with a sentient animal, sex in shifted form, consensual sex, knotting, begging, overstimulation)

🔥 Thighday Morning - “Yesterday Jimin and I were drinking and playing around. I picked him up and swirled him and he got dizzy, so he bit me.” (PWP, Intercrural Sex, Thigh Kink, Alcohol, Non-Penetrative Sex)

💔 Falling - Everything was empty. Jungkook couldn’t take it anymore. (Angst, Post-Breakup, Fighting, Idolverse, Closeted Character, Alcohol Use, Ambiguous/Open Ending)

🔥 Morning’s Sound - It’s Jimin’s birthday and Jungkook’s gift is his biggest fantasy. (PWP, Sounding, Omorashi, Watersports)

Jungkook x Taehyung (Taekook)

🔥 Mile High & Mildly Bored - Jungkook is insufferable and horny when he’s bored. Especially on a thirteen hour flight. (PWP, semi-public sex, mile high club)

🔥Wedding Night - It’s their wedding night, and Taehyung will finally get to join the man he loves in bed. (pwp)

🔥Pent-Up - Jungkook is stressed; Taehyung is stress relief. (pwp, dirty talk, rough sex)

🔥Firelit First - They said a bunny and a dragon-dog would never work out. They were wrong in every way except for one. Jungkook’s need for physical intimacy - and Taehyung’s insecurity surrounding it - was driving a wedge between them. (hybrid AU, dragon-dog hybrid Taehyung, bunny hybrid Jungkook, Bad Dragon toys, dirty talk, rough sex, outdoor sex knots, mating)

🔥 Breadsticks & a Boyfriend - When Taehyung took a simple order of pizza, breadsticks, and a soda to a customer on a rainy day, he had no idea how good his tip would be. (PWP, strangers to lovers, rough sex, sex toys, face fucking)

Jungkook x Reader

🔥 Happy Ending (M Reader) - Jungkook had a bad day. It’s up to you to make sure he relaxes. (PWP, squirting, dirty talk, tentacles, tentacle monster!reader, transgender Jungkook, vaginal sex, multiple penetration)

Maknae Line Members Only

🔥 Naked Yoga (Jimin x Jungkook x Taehyung) - Jungkook is just trying to do his yoga and relax a little. But it’s his birthday and Jimin and Taehyung have other ideas. (PWP, spitroasting, ass to mouth, dirty talk, rough sex, face fucking) 

Maknae + Hyung Members

Jimin x Jungkook x Hyung

🍭 Muscle Paws (Jimin x Jungkook x Yoongi) - They say cats choose their owners, and that seemed to be the truth for the cute tabby that hopped into Yoongi and Jimin’s open window one morning. Except that specific cat… Wasn’t quite normal. (fluff, shapeshifter!JK)

💔🔥 An Inconvenient Attachment (Jimin x Jungkook x Yoongi) - When Yoongi agreed to go on a two week winter getaway to the mountains with his roommates, he expected peace, quiet, and plenty of alone time with his roommate with benefits Jungkook. What he did not expect was to be handcuffed to his worst enemy for the duration of the trip. He figured it couldn’t get worse… Until it did. (snowed in, handcuffed together, friends with benefits, polyamory, past violence, past murder, past abuse, discussion of murder, semi-graphic descriptions of violence, blood drinking)

Jungkook x Taehyung x Hyung

🍭 Snivel While You Work (Jungkook x Namjoon x Taehyung) -  Taehyung should know better to make bets he may not win. (slice of life)

Jungkook x Hyung x Hyung

🔥 Surprise Visit (Jungkook x Namjoon x Seokjin) - Jin surprises Namjoon with a visit while he’s working in the studio late one night. But they’re not as alone as they thought. (voyeurism, pwp, rough sex, screamer jin, teasing, begging, dirty talk, age kink) 

🔥💔 Spilled Lattes & Secret Crushes (Jungkook x Namjoon x Yoongi) - Namjoon has the biggest crush on Jungkook. Unfortunately, so does Yoongi. Jungkook is oblivious to both of their advances, and both will do anything to win him over. (pranks, bickering, love triangle to happy polyamory, smut)

🔥 Paper Beats Rock (Jungkook x Seokjin x Yoongi) - Jin and Yoongi didn’t really know how things would turn out with the cute stranger who played rock, paper, scissors with them. Neither expected this. (meet weird, aro!Yoongi, ace!Jungkook)

🔥 Sweet Cream Nights - The local video game arcade owner is in love with the local barista who is also in love with the local baker. What could go wrong? (smut, fluff, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, bakery au, coffee shop au, arcade au, food play, dirty talk)

4 Members

🔥 Trying New Things (Hoseok x Jungkook x Namjoon x Yoongi) - Jungkook loves trying new things. He also loves being tested. So his boyfriends find a great way to do both at the same time. (pwp, blindfolds, light bondage, toys, double penetration, triple penetration, rough sex, overstimulation)

🔥 Best of Me (Hoseok x Jungkook x Seokjin x Yoongi) - The rap line has been working hard on their first American collaboration. Unfortunately, their hard work has caused their boyfriends to feel a little neglected. (webcam/video chat sex, dirty talk)

🔥 Three Times as Much (Jimin x Jungkook x Seokjin x Taehyung) - Jin needs a little punishment. His boyfriends are happy to oblige. (pwp, dirty talk, rough sex, ass to mouth, multiple orgasms, overstimulation, crying during sex, forced orgasms, light bondage, double penetration, triple penetration, aftercare)

🔥 Gotta Go (Hoseok x Jimin x Jungkook x Yoongi) - Jimin has never had to go so bad in his life. Unfortunately his boyfriends have other plans. (pwp, dirty talk, no sex, desperation, Omorashi, watersports, light D/s dynamics, voyeurism) 

😂 Either Or (Jimin x Jungkook x Taehyung x Yoongi) - “Are they fighting or fucking?” Namjoon asked. Tae and JK aren’t sure they want to know the answer. (fluff, humor, sex as a humorous tool, asexual Taehyung, nonbinary Jungkook)

🔥 Lazy Dog Mornings (Hoseok x Jimin x Jungkook x Taehyung) - Taehyung brings Jimin to spend a lazy Saturday with Hoseok and Jungkook for a puppy play date. (PWP, puppy play, dirty talk, rough sex, knotting cock rings, discussion of breeding, D/s relationship)

#jeon jungkook #jungkook #jeongguk #masterlist #jungkook fanfiction

[jjungkookislife]

Quarterly Fic Recs 2021

Hello! This is my first recs list so I’m not sure if I’ve done this correctly, but here are fics I’ve read, loved and thoroughly enjoyed in the first quarter of 2021! They are all very wonderful fics! Each story has its own genre, warnings (and are 18+), so please take that into consideration before reading. If any authors would like me to untag them, please let me know. Enjoy!

Seokjin

golden boy @kpopfanfictrash​

summary: The golden boy of the porn industry, prettier than half his female co-stars. Will sue if you pull his hair. Always bothering his neighbors with pizza delivery.

Yoongi

finding big foot @bloomsuga​

summary:  you set out to hike the pacific crest trail in search of yourself… instead you found him

Jimin

steamy waters @oftenderweapons-a-companion​

summary:  it’s been a while since Jimin has returned from the tour. Princess is supposed to meet with Vixen and Lace — Girls’ Night squad is back — for dinner and is missing only a few details before leaving when Jimin presents his counterarguments. Too benevolent to leave him sulking — and too vulnerable to his charms — Princess decides she has enough time to indulge him. Of course she ends up being late to the appointment, but she’s not the only one.

Taehyung

the snow king @/bloomsuga

summary: cursed to freeze anything he touches, prince taehyung built a castle of ice to keep everyone else out. what he didn’t plan on? you getting in

enemy @btssmutgalore

summary:  Taehyung may be cocky, but he has every reason to be. After all, he never gets turned down by women – at least not until he meets you.

Jungkook

ancient history @moononthejoon​

summary:  there is no way to deny that you and Jungkook have chemistry. the two of you used to be a couple, after all. what happens when after a not-so-amicable breakup the two of you are cast as opposite leads of a movie?

bound @/btssmutgalore

ASK: Imagine Koo on his knees in front of you so that you can bury your fingers in his now blonde hair and pull his head back so he looks all vulnerable and ready to be devoured by you with his throat exposed. Oh, did I mention that his hands are tied behind his back in red silk and you stripped him of his shirt? Have fun with that mental image!

viki & hickeys @1kook​

summary: Just like in those Viki dramas Jungkook likes, the world around you is enveloped in shades of pink and red, kisses and hearts, so many goddamn roses it makes you sneeze. It’s absolutely perfect— nothing could possibly go wrong when there’s so much love in the air.

gold rush @venusiangguk​

summary: jk comes back from a weekend away and he wants to show you just how much he missed you.

teeth @sweetbunnykook​

summary: Your obedient servant has a craving only you can satiate.

oops wrong wedding @ppersonna

summary: jungkook drives you to the wrong wedding

bad behavior @noteguk

summary: in which staying late to volunteer at a self-help meeting was the best decision you made in a while.

bad influence ^

summary; in which you know Jungkook is a bad influence on you, but you can’t avoid falling for him every time.

after hours @zibermuda​

summary: after your boss hires a second assistant, you feel the pressure of being outperformed more now than ever. A blind date, a tight skirt, and a cup of jealously is the perfect recipe to bake a your-boss-fucks-you-against-your-desk-because-you’re-his-favourite-assistant cake. How sweet!

concrete king @bratkook​

summary: when a cute boy in a tacky hawaiian shirt lands a trick in your honor theres no way you could you ever say no to him

OT7

nutjobs @ironicarmy

summary: Eight friends. One terrible idea. A whole lot of trouble. Welcome to No Nut November.

Namjoon

cinderella!joon @jinpanman​

will you let me? @/bratkook

summary:  Namjoon wants nothing more than to see you stuffed full of his cum, and as his mind starts to wander with thoughts of the future, he has to know if you’d let him.

Jungkook

swipe right @/ppersona

summary:  after a horrible breakup, you sign back up for tinder and ironically match with your best friend, Jungkook. a date for fun is harmless, right?

another taste @/bratkook

summary:  full of adrenaline after a show, Jungkook just wants to see you fall apart on his tongue.

Yoongi

of fire and love @hollyhomburg

summary: When Dragon Yoongi finds baby Jungkook in the wreckage of a house he burned down, he can’t bring himself to kill the child. Months after someone drops off a baby at your door, you start to notice something- or someone, lurking at the edge of the woods.

Namjoon

break up with your girlfriend @lovetrivia

summary: After his long time girlfriend, Yuri, rejects his proposal and confesses to cheating on him, the two “go on a break”. However, a beautiful student retaking the Human Sexuality class he TAs for may be the breaking point.

heated @joonsgalore

summary: Namjoon is your own personal living, breathing, walking furnace.

fool for you @cutechim

summary:  he may be your best friend, but he’s still only second best.

lost in the funhouse @dovechim​

prisoner!namjoon au

Jungkook

commercial break; eight @/1kook

summary: You always do this— always ask for more. You take and you take until there’s nothing left for Jungkook to give. But Jungkook is the same.

e2l!jungkook ^

summary:  e2l jungkook checking out his annoying ass coworker

piece of you @dntaewithluv

summary:  After three months of pining over the cute delivery boy, as well as ordering a questionable amount of pizza, you decide to finally shoot your shot with him by slipping him your number during one of his deliveries. When Jungkook actually takes you up on your offer and calls you on a Friday night to see if you have plans, you’re quick to invite him over. Seeing the blonde haired beauty at your door with pizza and beer in hand makes you think maybe you’re in for something a little extra tonight, and that for once it won’t just be the cheese on the pizza.

thirty four, thirty five @sunshinekims

summary: you and jungkook had two rules in your apartment: no stealing clothes and no hooking up with each other…too bad you guys broke both of those rules because of a TikTok trend. or was it all bad? you’re certainly not complaining, especially if it means you getting with your roommate. roomies to lovers! au

sweeter than sugar @jungkxook​

summary: when infamous playboy jeon jungkook comes to you with a proposition that you know you should say no to, you can’t. because all you really know is that being spoiled has never felt so sweet before

#jjungkookislife fic recs #fic recs masterlist #fic recs 2021 #jjungkookislife fic recs masterlist

[writersrealmbts]

Different Skins: Part 2

Description: You’re awoken in the night to find seven strange (and oddly suicidal) men in your home–who apparently are magical creatures in disguise? Now you have a Dragon, Werewolf, Elf, Mermaid, Unicorn, Fairy living in your home and an enchanter that visits now and then. What could go wrong?

Warnings: Some mentions of gore (nothing explicit)

Posted: 05/25/2020

Tags: bts x reader, ot7

Chaos: 2,677 words

A/N: Finally getting this out of my drafts! Happy fourth day of fic-dump!

“Jimin! You can’t fly!” You called out, running over and grabbing his belt. “Namjoon! Stop challenging Jungkook, dog bites are notoriously troublesome and we can’t take you guys to the hospital. Hoseok, where’s Yoongi?”

“Still sleeping. Come play with me, Jiminie!” He came over and hugged the fairy.

“He’s no challenge!” Jungkook huffed, a growl in his throat.

Namjoon smirked, opening his mouth.

“You get one more warning and then the sword comes out again,” You warned. “And the silver!”

They hastily separated, heading into different rooms.

Hoseok had the fairy in a loving hold now, and the fairy seemed pretty satisfied with the attention.

You looked around again, trying to figure out when you lost the privacy of this upper living room. They’d only been with you for two and a half days, and already you had lost control.

“Where’s Seokjin?” You asked, realizing you hadn’t seen him since breakfast.

“I think he went outside,” Jimin answered.

You raced to grab a weapon, running down the stairs and outside.

He was sitting beside the fence, in the flowerbed, with Yoongi beside him. His fingers were deftly weaving some of the daisies that grew there into a second flower crown, the first being on Yoongi’s head.

They both looked up when you came rushing out.

Seokjin looked concerned. “Did something happen?”

You shook your head. “No, but I didn’t know whether you two would be okay out here. I actually was told Yoongi was inside, sleeping.”

Yoongi scoffed. “Who can sleep with that racket?” He was leaning against the elf, and he looked sickly pale in the shadow, but you knew it was his natural pallor. He had a sort of quiet satisfaction and curiosity, and he’d told you that he was happy and enjoying his time here (even if he’s only been here for a short while).

Seokjin patted the ground on his other side. “Sit with us. They’ll notice sooner or later and come find us. Maybe clean up the mess they’re making.”

You looked back at the house and nodded, sitting with them and smiling as Jin placed a flower crown on your head, then waved his hand and renewed the whole garden, fresh blooms filling the garden bed.

Yoongi was carefully suppressing a smile at the flowers. He bit his lip and reached out, touching one of the lilies.

Jin picked more flowers, starting to weave them into another crown. “I think Hoseok-ah will find us next. He’d look good with these flowers.”

You leaned back a bit and almost fell over.

Jin patted his shoulder. “You can lean on me. It’ll be more comfortable.”

You smiled a bit and leaned lightly against his shoulder. “It really is dangerous for you to be out here. Especially doing magic.”

He nodded. “I know. But Yoongi was upset. He’s a little sound sensitive since sound travels differently in the water.”

Yoongi pouted at the elf. “You were already out here.”

“Admiring the gardens and getting a breath of fresh air. I need to be around plants,” He explained. “And I thought just walking around would be okay. Your yard is fairly private, so I thought if I was quiet it would be okay.”

“If Taehyung ever gets back with the information, I might be able to understand what’s threatening all of you a little better.” You sighed and watched him twisting the flowers into a circle.

Hoseok came out, a little hesitantly, then hurrying once he noticed the three of you, sitting across from Jin and giving you all a tired look.

Jin placed the flowers on his head. “Overwhelmed, Hoseok-ah?”

Hoseok smiled a little, then seemed to take Jin’s sentence as an invitation to lay his head on Jin’s leg, getting comfortable. “I’m still not…I miss being…me.”

Yoongi sighed and nodded. “I understand. Everything is different like this, yet also similar.”

“I wish I knew how to help,” You murmured, frustration starting to rise up, but was suddenly quelled, as Jin made more flowers bloom. You stared hard, then smiled. “Are you using magic to calm all of us?”

“Myself included,” He whispered, running his fingers through Hoseok’s hair.

“How many times have you been moved?” You asked, reaching forward and stroking Hoseok’s hair as well.

Hoseok looked like he was half asleep already.

Jin sighed. “I couldn’t tell you. I’ve been in protective services since I was a kid. Taehyung has been the best case-worker I’ve had. He can be a little scattered, but he’s the most caring worker I’ve ever had.”

“He was being strategic when he placed you with the other boys with me, wasn’t he?”

He nodded. “He figured having one person who was used to being in the system might help.” He sighed softly. “Sorry I’m not being more helpful.”

“You’re fine. I’m just struggling to find a good groove.” You frowned a bit, trying to figure out how to accommodate all of them at once.

Then the air ripped apart and Taehyung tumbled out and face-first into the dirt—causing both Jin and Hoseok to jump.

The air sealed back up.

You sort of crawled the two foot distance, prodding his shoulder. “You kind of deserved that.”

He groaned and pushed himself up, coughing and spitting out dirt. “I know.” He then looked around and his eyes widened. “Inside.”

Jin hurried to get the other two up and then into the house while you helped Taehyung up (because he looked terribly beaten up) and into the house.

You locked the door after getting Taehyung on the bench beside the back door. “So, backyard is dangerous, got it.”

“Sorry, no, not normally. Not the way you guys were using it, but my entrance would have drawn attention.” He looked slightly apologetic. “I brought their files.”

You sighed. “Come into the living room.”

“Nice flowers,” He murmured as he limped after you.

You glanced back, hand going to your head and feeling the velvety soft petals. “Thanks.”

“How have things been?”

You stopped staring at your wreck of a living room and the three culprits responsible.

Namjoon at least looked repentant and surprised at the destruction he caused.

Jimin was playing with the feathers with gleeful giggles while bouncing on the couch.

Jungkook was still tearing apart the pillow in dog form.

“Oh, you know. There are ups and downs,” You answered, shoulders slumping.

Taehyung’s eyes were huge. “Whoa.”

Hoseok made a pained noise.

Yoongi’s mouth was hanging open and his eyes were huge.

Jin looked grim, stepping forward with a muttered word—a sort of wake of air pushing out from him and making the three trouble-makers stagger.

They looked over, wide-eyed and guilty (except Jimin, who didn’t seem to know that this was something he shouldn’t do).

“Clean it up,” Yoongi said, a strange hiss to his voice that made Jungkook’s fur go on end.

Even Jimin seemed to realize that he was in trouble because he started cleaning with the others, very quickly.

Taehyung sighed. “Let’s go upstairs to talk?”

You shrugged, but led the way upstairs while the oldest three supervised the younger three as they cleaned.

Taehyung sat after you, a little tentative, but ultimately in a tired way. He lay down a stack of folders. “Their files. All of their cases are…difficult. Dangerous. Like I said, the Oracle said this was the only place they would be safe.”

You picked up the first one. “So, Seokjin has told me two different things. That he’s only known you for a couple days, and that you’ve managed his case for a couple years.”

“Both. We only met a couple days ago, but I’ve been managing his case for a few years now. We just always missed each other when we were in the same place. He was the first case I had. His previous caseworker…well…they sort of got killed so people were reluctant to step up.”

“Sort of?”

“Technically…he’s not dead. Yet.”

“Um….”

He made a face. “I didn’t exactly know about it until after I’d taken the case on, but he sort of got put in a chamber that slows down time…while also tearing you apart.”

You stared at him. “How did he get put in there?”

“Well, there’s this dark elf…and he’s sort of hunting down Seokjin’s family…especially Seokjin…and he’s joined this other warlock and an enchantress…and…they….” He grimaced. “It’s in the file. Actually, because I took on Seokjin’s case, these guys all came to me as well when they were threatened, because it’s the same group. They’re working on something, and they need elements from all of them. Specifically them. I’m still working to find out what it is.”

You nodded slowly. “So, was this house the safest place, or was it me.”

He shrugged a little, looking down. “I told you, you come from a long line of warriors and protectors. Even your parents were protectors.”

“Is that how they died?” You asked, feeling sick. “Did they die because they were protectors?”

Taehyung nodded. “But the person they were protecting was you. Back then…there was a group that realized if they took out the warriors and protectors then they wouldn’t have to worry about them interfering with their schemes. There were a lot of lost protectors. Your parents stopped them, but the cost was their lives.”

You shook your head. “I don’t remember my parents ever protecting anyone. They were my parents. He worked 9 to 5, she stayed home and cared for me.”

Taehyung looked up again, meeting your eyes. “You really don’t remember having siblings? Not even ones you pass off as imaginary friends?”

“Not even imaginary friends. The only imaginary friend I had was a stuffed monkey toy.”

He frowned, looking at the stack of folders. “Maybe they wiped your mind,” He whispered, looking worried. “But why would they?”

You looked at the file that was sitting open on your lap. It had a series of photos of Seokjin, from when he was a child and as he grew. Then it had a whole stack of papers.

“That’s the condensed version, by the way. Only what could be released.”

“Condensed? This is condensed?” You asked, voice squeaking. “It’s a textbook.”

He nodded, looking tired just at the thought. “I had to read through the un-condensed version. I included my summary notes in each file to help.”

You nodded, noticing the hand-written page near the top after the basic profile information and before the detailed history of Seokjin’s life. “Wow.”

“His is definitely the biggest file. Hoseok and Namjoon are the only other ones who weren’t just pulled into protective services. Hoseok’s been in for…four months? And Namjoon was in for two weeks before coming here.” Taehyung’s voice was getting deeper, and you could tell he was falling asleep.

You hummed picking up the next folder. You’d investigate each file as thoroughly as possible later, right now you just wanted a brief overview.

Hoseok’s was the next you picked up, a picture of his human form (looking very surprised) and another of a very nice looking horse—sorry, Unicorn—right next to it.

Hurt during an encounter with a hunter, highly sought-out for the healing properties unicorns hold, then targeted by the “Black Rose”. Put in protective custody, but hadn’t been placed with any Protectors.

Taehyung was fast asleep, slumped on the couch.

You studied him for a moment. “Who’s protecting you?” You asked in a whisper, then sighed and turned your attention to the next file, studying the picture of Namjoon’s dragon form.

Yoongi sort of rushed in, then came and settled onto the other end of the couch, curling up and squeezing his eyes shut. “I don’t exist.”

“Okay,” You agreed softly, picking up the next file and looking at Jungkook’s pictures. Big wolf.

You probably spent a good half-hour looking through the files and slowly finding the information that you were interested in at the moment.

Then Hoseok poked his head up. “They’re done cleaning.”

You set the files aside and headed down, looking over everything.

All three had their heads hung, repentant.

You inspected the room.

The destroyed pillow.

The boys.

“We’re really sorry, y/n,” Jungkook finally said, fidgeting and voice a little thick.

“We were out of control, and we shouldn’t have done what we did. You’ve already let us stay here, it wasn’t fair of us to abuse that hospitality,” Namjoon added, bowing slightly.

“I’m really sorry,” Jimin said, voice wobbling.

You shrugged. “I forgive you. But this is how it works, you make a mess, you clean it up. Preferably before I see it. You don’t break things on purpose, or rip things on purpose. Okay?”

They nodded.

You nodded, and patted each of them on the head. “Put in a movie. Taehyung and Yoongi are asleep upstairs and I think Taehyung needs the sleep.”

They were looking at you with such big eyes.

You looked between them, then gently maneuvered Namjoon and guided him to the couch and sat him down, then Jungkook, who whimpered slightly, and finally Jimin. “Jin, can you put in a movie? I’m going to get some snacks for you all.” You smoothed Jungkook’s hair as you passed behind the couch to go into the kitchen and get different snacks and drinks for them. You’d noticed that you seemed to intuitively know what they would like to eat, which kind of scared you but was also really cool.

So, banana milk for Jungkook, coffee for Namjoon, and juice for Jimin—followed by fruit for all of them, and varying snacks for each of them individually.

You took it to them, setting it on the coffee table so you could bundle them up in the throw blankets. “How much of a lecture did you give them? They’re traumatized.”

“They’re not traumatized,” Yoongi muttered from the arm chair, apparently having woken up and come downstairs.

“They’re babies, you have to be gentle.”

“I’m not a baby!”

“I’m two-hundred years old!”

“I’m not a pup!”

“Oh shush, you’re babies.” You rolled your eyes and kept fussing over them until they were both covered, but free enough to take their snacks and drinks. “Eat. Watch the movie.”

Taehyung came down looking confused and sleepy. “Uh….”

“Sit, I’ll get you a snack.” You went into the kitchen, humming as you tried to decide what to get him, finally deciding on some fruit to hold him over because you felt like he needed a meal more than anything. You added extra strawberries to his bowl, then headed over, setting it in front of him. “Eat. Rest. We’ll talk about safety measures over dinner tonight.”

He stared at the strawberries, then nodded and started eating.

You turned toward the window when you thought you saw movement. “And defense.”

Taehyung was looking out that window as well, looking wary as he nodded agreement.

“I’m going to go double check outside,” You said, grabbing a sword. “Keep the doors locked, I have my keys. I’ll knock three times before I come back in. Anything else and you should treat it as hostile.”

Taehyung pulled out his wand, looking nervous. “Are you sure you don’t want me along?”

“I’ll be fine.”

He nodded reluctantly.

You went outside, casually looking around. Heading for the where you saw the movement. You were praying it was just a bird, but it felt like there was more to it. A bird wouldn’t make you feel this anxious.

Rustling in the bushes.

You turned that way and let out an eep of surprise, rushing to duck out of the way of the massive battle ax that was swinging down toward your head—hopefully before it took it off.

“Time to die, protector!”

“No thanks!” You replied, dodging again and then running away from the house. “I rather like living!”

An inhuman roar and you were being chased.

But at least he was coming away from your house.

–

Previous.  Next.

Masterlist  -  ot7 Masterpost

Tagging: @alex--awesome--22​  @missmoxxiesworld​  @bryvada​  @knjhe​  @i-dont-even-know-fck​

#bts #bts fic #bts x reader #fantasy!au #magic!au #magical creature!bts #kim namjoon #dragon!namjoon #kim seokjin #elf!seokjin #min yoongi #merman!yoongi #Jung HoSeok #unicorn!hoseok #park jimin #fairy!jimin #kim taehyung #enchanter!taehyung #jeon jungkook #werewolf!jungkook #fairy!au #merfolk #dragon!au #elf au #elves #magic #bts fanfic

[ravensading]

It Was You - Chapter 3

*Please no reposting any of this story.  I don’t own BTS or any of their characters

"So you're back for good then?" Jimin asked, as the bartender put their drinks in front of them.

Jungkook nodded.

"I'm happy for you, Kook. You're finally being accepted."

Jungkook took a sip of his drink. "I guess."

Jimin rolled his own glass in his hands. "Your hyungs are fair. They're making things right for you."

He couldn't argue against that. Even though his stepfather didn't acknowledge him, his stepbrothers had done what they could to help him along. He couldn't have asked for more.

Jimin smiled. "Maybe we can do some joint work between the dance academy and the art gallery in the future."

Jungkook smiled back. "That would be nice." He looked at his friend. "How are things between you and Rose?"

Jimin bit his lip. "It's complicated."

"We've all known each other forever, hyung. Why so shy?"

"She knows everything about me."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"Yeah...or a terrifying thing. I don't know. We'll see." He brushed it off...again. Jimin smiled slyly. "That girl Rose and I saw you with the other evening is pretty."

Jungkook looked at his friend. "She's off-limits."

"Really? I didn't see any branding."

"I work with her. She's off-limits."

"That's never stopped us before." Jimin said thoughtfully. "Are you interested in her?"

"No." Jungkook said, perhaps a bit too quickly.

But Jimin knew him too well to have missed that. "That's too bad." Jimin said. He'd let that go...for now. "See those 3 girls at the corner of the bar?"

Jungkook didn't even look up from his glass. "The ones with the shimmery dresses?"

Jimin smiled widely. "One thousand dollars to whomever can take 2 out of 3 home."

Jungkook smiled wolfishly. He paused when a pair of blue eyes flashed in his mind. He downed the rest of his drink. "Two thousand to the one who can get all 3."

"Deal."

**********

"I'm so happy that you could come with me to the menu tasting last minute."

"Happy to help." Yuna said brightly. She adjusted her oversized sweater. "But shouldn't you be doing this with Jin-oppa?"

"He had a last minute emergency. Hence, the last minute ask." Celia explained.

The chef came out to greet them, obviously smitten with Celia. Yuna didn't mind. She had spent her whole life with people telling her how beautiful her sisters are, and they were. But Yuna also knew that being known for your beauty took a lot of work and

discipline, even if you were naturally attractive in the first place.

Yuna shifted in her seat when Celia brightened at someone behind her.

"I'm sorry, sweetie." A voice said, and Jin came around to give her sister a hug from behind.

Yuna immediately stood up.

"I thought you couldn't make it." Celia asked, holding his hand.

"Namjoon said that he'd take care of it for me."

Celia smiled. "Thank him for me." She looked up at someone still behind Yuna. "Kook. So nice to see you again."

Yuna's eyes widened and she turned around.

Jungkook looked as surprised to see her as she was him.

"What are you doing here?" They asked at the same time.

Celia and Jin exchanged glances. "Do you know each other?"

"We're friends. We work together." Jungkook replied.

"Are you serious?" Jin asked.

"What do you mean?" Yuna said, incredulously.

"Jungkook is my youngest brother."

"And Yuna is my youngest sister." Celia put in.

Jungkook and Yuna just gaped at each other.

"But...he's..." Yuna couldn't get the words out.

The chef came to the table with the appetizers to taste. Yuna quickly gestured to Jin to take her vacated seat. The chef waved a server over to seat Yuna and Jungkook at a nearby table.

"Oh no, that's okay." Yuna said, knuckles white as she picked up her purse. "This is their deal."

"But I made you miss breakfast so that you'd be able to do this with me." Her sister insisted. She caught her sisters arm and steered her and Jungkook towards the table. "Just sit, and enjoy. We'll take care of it."

Celia left the two of them. Yuna sat with her back straight, eyes wide. Jungkook fiddled with his watch.

"So."

"So." He returned. "This is kind of cool."

What?!?!?!

"You know, we'll be kind of related."

Yuna paled. Oh my God. And we slept together what does that make us? But we're not blood related, so it should be okay. OMGOMGOMG. Why isn't he panicking? Of course! He doesn't know. He doesn't even recognize that it was me. Wait...

"But your last name isn't Kim." She pointed out slowly.

He reddened. "It's a long story."

"I have time. At least 5 courses of time."

He fiddled with his watch again.

She pushed her panic away as she picked up her fork as an old news item came into her mind. "Jeon." She said thoughtfully. "The mining family." Her gaze sharpened as she looked at him. "You're the lost prince."

His face hardened at the reference.

She realized what she said and put a hand on his. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

He sighed. "It's okay. The media had a field day with that one."

She started recalling parts of the story in her mind. She would have been too young to know, but she remembered her mother talking to her aunties about the high society gossip. She seemed to remember that Jungkook had been the only son of the eldest

son of a generations old mining family. Mega wealthy. When he passed away prematurely, his brothers fought over who would run the empire. The will had stated that Jungkook would inherit everything, but being 10-years-old, with uncles who had vulture-

like lawyers on retainer, Jungkook and his mother was kicked out with little more than the shirts off their backs.

His father had been close friends with the patriarch of the Kim family, whose money was made from hotels and other hospitality ventures. He had been widowed himself for barely a year when he married Jungkook's mother. That in itself had caused a

scandal, since the runour had been that he had wanted her for himself when they were young, but she had chosen Jungkook's father. Jungkook's stepfather was a prideful man, and even though he was never antagonistic towards the boy, he was not

accepting either. To try to protect her son from the media, she sent him away to school in Europe and North America, only coming home for the holidays.

Unlike Seokjin, Namjoon, and Mingi who had received money for all of the best education, this was not extended to Jungkook. So his mother saved everything she could so that he would receive a good education.

"It doesn't sound like he was particularly extravagant with your mother either."

Jungkook shrugged. "He was frugal overall. My mother said that it was because he was poor growing up."

"It must have been tough."

He nodded. "I would come home for holidays and summers, and at first, it seemed that everyone was welcoming, but I gradually learned that people only wanted to be my friend to get to my hyungs, who had taken the stance of being my protectors. Guys

and girls would try to make friends, and then ask to be introduced to them. That was a hard lesson."

"Yeah." Yuna said softly, thinking of her own childhood. "You must have made some friends who like you for you."

Jungkook grinned. "Rose? That girl that we saw the other evening? Her and Jimin and I grew up together. The three of us and Hanul, who's working in Paris at the moment." His expression softened as he thought back. "We got into a lot of trouble the

summers I was home. Because they were here all the time, eventually it got to the point where they would just tell me if someone was befriending me for me or my hyungs."

"How often were they right?"

"Often enough for me to believe them."

Yuna put her fork down as the next course was brought over.

Jungkook looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dump on you. I don't usually tell people about my childhood, but you're really easy to talk to."

She smiled. "That's okay. I grew up to be a pretty good listener."

"I can tell."

Yuna tried one bite of the steak and pushed it away.

"Do you not like it?" Jungkook asked.

"It's delicious, but I'm getting full and there's still more food coming." SHe caught him eyeing the steak. "Would you like to finish it? If you don't mind that I took a bite of out it."

He smiled widely, showing his teeth.

She laughed and switched their plates.

"Thanks." He said sweetly, as he dug in.

**********

Jin and Jungkook were riding back to their offices together after the menu tasting.

"So what did you think of the food?"

"It was delicious, hyung. Thanks for inviting me to tag along."

Jin glanced at the maknae. "Seems like the food wasn't the highlight."

"What do you mean, hyung?" Jungkook asked, confused.

"Yuna. You two seemed to get along really well."

He smiled. "We do! But it might be because we also work together. She's a developer at HopeWorld Games."

Jin looked thoughtful. "You know, I didn't even think to put two and two together. She's the prodigy that came up with that video game while she was in university, right? Something with dragons?"

"Yes, hyung. That's her! She's really great. For someone who got so much recognition when she was young, she's really down to earth."

"That's true. I heard that she also got the hard end of it being the sister of beauty queens too, though."

"How so?"

"Seems like she had a few boyfriends who actually had their eye on her sisters. One in particular that she may have had feelings for even."

Jungkook was silent. He knew how that felt. "Sounds like the three of them of really close though."

"They are. I don't know Yuna as well as Grace, but everything I heard makes her sound like a great person."

"She is, hyung." Jungkook confirmed, vouching for her.

Jin smiled. "Are you interested in her, Kook?"

Jungkook smiled shyly. "I do like her, but I'm not sure in that way. I'm still thinking of someone else..."

"Ah." Jin recalled. "The mystery girl from the engagement party."

Jungkook blushed. "Have your photos come in yet?"

"No, the photographer got sick so there is a delay in getting them edited. He also took a lot, so it's taking a while." He looked at Jungkook. "There were a lot of people there. She may not be in any of the pictures, and even if she is she may have been a plus 1." He warned, trying not to get Jungkook's hopes up.

Jungkook got a glint in his eye. "Maybe, maybe not. After all, she left with me, right?"

**********

#btsfanfiction #btsfanfic #jungkook&reader

[kpopisthereasonihavenolife]

Blight | VIII

BTS

Jeon Jungkook/Reader [F]

Genre: Dragon/Shapeshifter AU, Magic AU, Enemies to Lovers

Warning(s): none to mention

Words: 6.6k

a/n: She’s here!!!!! After literal moNTHs, Blight is finally is back!! This is literally just a soft chapter (bc it’s gon get rOUGH soon).  Lemme know what y’all think of this chapter! 

@tamedandscripted @syubcandy @cencoroil @kathrynwynterbourne @fireflower90 @bluegreenguppyfish @queen-pharaoh-hatshepsut@mygukandonly @ms-bookdragon @leemarkeurii @seaofsunbeams@astronomyturtle @v-reallife @shubaaa @loudcomputerpoetry@glitterdustbxnny @namelesshil @taeshuworld @kaitsubaki @kookabble@enthusiastt @namjoonsslutakakoreanmanswhore @karissassirak

XXX

Jungkook stood in his room at his bedside watching as you snoozed in the center of his bed.  Curled up in his blankets, tucked to your chin in comfort.  He chuckled as he ran his fingers through your messy bangs and hair.  

“Precious,” he whispered solely to himself.  Back to normal, but with every single memory, you were told he’d forget.  Though, he decided to not tell you that he didn’t forget.  He would act as though he was clueless of the life he was supposed to have forgotten about.  Pretend to not remember the moments between the two of you.  

Keeping the truth and this new- burning- emotion in his chest to himself.  

XXX

You stirred awake in the morning due to the uncomfortable amount of sunlight hitting your face from the window.  Groaning, you turned your back to the light and pulled your knees up, curling more into the blanket to get a few more minutes of sleep at least.  You sighed through your nose at the welcomed warmth when you heard a voice in the kitchen. 

“Well, pardon me for being disabled for a week,” chanted Jungkook’s voice in a hefty amount of sarcasm.  Your eyes shot open as you gasped.  You sat up, sitting for a moment before you heard him again.  “We have a break coming up, so I’ll be coming to visit.”  You kicked off the blankets wrapped between your legs and around your body like some cocoon.  Half rolling and half falling out of bed, you ran out of the bedroom. 

Going down the small hall to the kitchen, you saw Jungkook standing in front of the stove, his cell pressed to his cheek with his shoulder.  The sizzling of the pan in front of him was almost as satisfying as the scent of the bacon he was frying in it. Stood in sweats and a white tee, his back to you as you watched his shoulders move and his shoulder blades narrowed before widening again as he moved the pan in front of him.  

“Listen, if you weren’t such a pushover, she’d listen to you better.  She behaves just fine when I’m there,” he griped at whoever was on the phone with him.  You just stood silently in the doorway to the kitchen. He was talking normally, with the spite that he used to use in every conversation he had.  He moved comfortably in his home to where he was making food and wasn’t clinging to your side.  

He just sighed and clicked his tongue at the person on the line when he shifted his footing and moved to stand in front of a cabinet, swinging it open and grabbing a plate.  Setting it on the counter with a slight clunk, he turned the heat of the stove down to simmer as he pushed the bacon across the sizzling pan with his tongs once more. 

“Whatever, I’m hanging up.”  He took the phone in his hand, ended the call and shoved the phone into the pocket of his sweats before he started picking the bacon strips up one by one, dripping any access grease off before setting it on the plate. 

You panicked when he turned around, seeing you standing in the doorway.  You opened your mouth, no words forming. Only your breath hitching like a criminal caught in the act.  He just smiled as he waved you over. 

“Hey, I was going to go wake you up,” he told you.  He grabbed the plate of bacon and moved to the beeping rice cooker that you didn’t even realize was on.  Grabbed the two bowls stacked beside it he loaded them up and offered you to come over. “If you don’t take this bowl from me and eat something I’m going to be really upset,” he teased. 

“Oh!” You jumped as you walked to him, graciously taking the hefty bowl of rice from him.  He walked by you out of the small kitchen to the living room where he set everything down.  Rushing back into the kitchen and pulling two spoons from his drawer, he was soon pushing on your back to get you to move into the living room with him. “Jungkook?” You asked as he pushed down on your shoulders to sit you down on the ground.  

“Hm?” He hummed as he stepped around you and sat beside you, digging his spoon into his rice and taking a loaded spoonful of food.  

“What’s all this for?” He looked at you, spoon hanging in his mouth as he slowly chews. “You don’t normally cook, said you don’t like to.”  He nodded. 

“True,” he said.  “I don’t like cooking,’ he continued, “but I thought you deserved a reward.”  He picked up a piece of bacon, taking a nice crunchy bite out of it.  A murmured ‘ooh, crunchy’ under his breath as he ate.  “I heard from Parrish that I was a giant baby the past week.” 

You smiled, finally starting to eat.  As you filled your cheeks with rice or took bites of bacon strips cooked to the crunchiest of perfections, Jungkook watched you occasionally.  He danced a little beside you as he ate happily, glad to see you eating joyously. 

“So,” Jungkook started, “when the break starts, I’m planning on going home for it to visit my family.  My dad is apparently having trouble reigning in my sister,” he laughed.  You nodded at him.  It would be good for him to get a break and visit with his family.  “With that in mind, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?” You choked on a piece of bacon as he set his bowl down in a panic and rubbed your back.  

Jumping up to get some water, he came back and you took easy sips as he rubbed between your shoulders and rubbed the back of your neck.  Setting your- now empty- glass on the table you looked at him inquisitively. 

“Why would you want me to go with you?  Wouldn’t the trip be to get away from the whole Master, Familiar thing? To get away from me?” 

“No!” He defied.  “I mean, you’re not just my Master.  You’re my friend too.  Besides, I want you to meet my family.  I think they’d really like you,” he spoke softly.  He knew that you could just go to Yoongi and Parrish if you were alone on the break, but he knew also that you couldn’t- or rather- wouldn’t go to your home.  He wanted you to be surrounded by a new family, his family.  He doubts he could actually voice that to you though. 

You sat with him, picking at your food as Jungkook ate slowly in nerves.  You didn’t want to impose on him anymore, but he looks like he might feel dejected if you said no.  You shoveled a spoonful of rice in your mouth as you ate in a silence that wasn’t uncomfortable but also was a bit stifling.  

“If you finish your rice in one minute, I’ll go with you,” you nonchalantly told him.  Looking at you, he blinked in confusion.  You bit a piece of bacon off as you looked back.  “Tick tock, flame breath.”  Never in your life have you seen a grown student shove his face with rice like a forest animal.  He was going to be the one to find a way to choke on rice and you would be sat beside him laughing the entire time. 

XXX

“You’re going to Jungkook’s house for the break?” You nodded as Yoongi sat next to you in your shared dorm after what feels like forever.  Sitting on the couch as you both snacked on whatever you had and watched some show in the background.  He hummed.  “He must really want to go on a trip with you.” 

“I wouldn’t say that.  We’re just going to visit his family.  It's not like we’re taking some vacation as a pair.  Besides, it’s as Master and Familiar.”  You nonchalantly waved off the obvious undertone of Yoongi’s teasing.  Reaching for a stick of peppermint candy that sat in a bowl on the coffee table, you scowled. 

“What's with the face?” 

“Nothing,” you told him as you bit into the candy.  Yoongi just rolled his eyes in a yielding action.  You were too much of an open book for Yoongi to read.  Keeping secrets or trying to hide anything from him was nearly impossible.  He wouldn't poke at you anymore right at the moment.  Your flushed face was louder than whatever sentence you could construct anyways.  Even silent, you found a way to be loud. 

The next two weeks were full of study sheets, practice exams, more study sheets, and actual exams.  Topped off with Jungkook planning the trip back to his home.  He seemed almost excited about going back.  You were shocked to learn that both his sister and father were ordinary humans.  He inherited all his dragon traits from his late mother. 

You were even more shocked to learn that his sister was absolutely infatuated with magic.  She often idolized Spellcasters- so says Jungkook.  He could see her now, trailing after you like a duck, going on and on with quick-fire questions about the magic she didn’t possess.  And if he thought about it too much, he grimaced.  If she were to hang around, he’d have no personal time with you at all.  

Thus he began devising plans to avoid her possible constant clinging at all costs. 

When the final bell of the last school day rang, Jungkook was up and out of the room faster than usual. Jimin looking at his friend’s back as he rushed down the halls; weaving between students and around the corner to fly down the stairs. Jungkook was standing at the doorway of your class before you even left.  Standing and talking with your teacher as some random Spellcaster boy laughed at Jungkook’s instant presence and looked back into the room. 

“Y/n! You’re Familiar is here!” 

Jungkook almost let himself snarl at the boy’s sarcastic, teasing manner of voice.  Instead, just choosing to glare at him instead.  You dismissed your conversation momentarily to look over your shoulder at Jungkook in the doorway. He took his eyes off the back of your classmate’s head before he waved at you.  You waved back, talking to your teacher a moment longer before coming towards him. 

Jungkook smiled down at you when you stood before him.  His smile reached his ears.  You rose your brow at him as he wanted to dance on his toes like a toddler.  

“Hey there, Smiles.  What’s with you?” You chuckled at him as you started down the hall.  

“I’m just glad school’s done for a while.  Now I can go home,” he chirped.  

“You must really be raring to go see your family, huh?” He nodded. It was true, he was pretty stoked to see his sister and dad again.  Though, the idea of just taking a trip with you was exciting enough.  So long as Yoongi doesn’t hide in yours or his shadows (he shouldn’t because Jungkook cornered him and made him promise not to).  “What’s Jimin doing with his break?”  

“He said he wanted to go to some town by the coast.  Apparently, there’s some cool cave with some supernatural history that he wanted to check out.  He’s a bit of a nerd,” Jungkook told you.  Yoongi had decided to just go between his dorm and his home with Parrish for the break.  Too lazy and tired to actually go and make plans.  You couldn’t help but remember when he was talking with Jimin on the phone a couple nights ago and giving in to some idea he was probably being pitched from the boy. 

You chuckled when you realized that it was likely that Jimin was going to drag poor little Min Yoongi out of his two main dwellings of his break. Jungkook was quick to snatch your hand and begin dragging you down the halls, stopping by your locker when you needed and shooting a warning glance at Elias who happened to be walking by.  Scurrying past at Jungkook’s glare, not wanting to start a scene for once. 

Jungkook was once again leading you off campus and absentmindedly walking the two of you back to his dorm, his hand still wrapped around your own. He was so busy raving on and on about how he was going to enjoy his trip home, he didn’t realize until he stood in front of his dormitory.  With you in tow.  

“Jungkook,” you gestured towards him. 

“Yes?” 

“Can I go home now?” 

“Why would you do that?”  Jungkook momentarily forgot that he- or at least to you- had forgotten his memories of the time you spent at his dorm.  You had already long moved all your stuff out and left his temporary school-home.  He panicked before he was concealing his emotions and putting on his front. “Oh, I guess you do need to get your own things, huh?”  He played off as he slowly let go of your hand.  

“That I do.  We agreed to meet at the station tomorrow morning at the station anyway.” With some chatter back and forth between the two of you, you soon dismissed yourself back home with Yoongi as Jungkook went to his dorm and packed before going to bed.  

The next morning, Jungkook was up early and pretty much flying to the station- hypothetically of course.  He’d never really fly to the station.  Simple humans would probably have a stroke watching a teenager rip wings from his back and take flight in the middle of a bustling city morning. He stood at the meeting place you both promised and waited an hour- him being way too excited and arriving super early. When he caught wind of your scent, he stood from the bench he parked his butt on and looked around.  Seeing you looking around, lugging a suitcase behind you as you searched for him.  

He smiled as he ducked into the crowd, hiding behind pillars when you look close to his direction and fled behind signs.  He even picked up a sign and walked with it to keep your eyes off him.  Moving around to be behind you, he moved to deliver a hot puff of steam on your neck. 

Squealing, you whipped around with your palm open- ready to hit whoever just breathed on you.  Jungkook ducked to avoid you, your hand whooshing past his hair as he now sat squatting on the ground, snickering up at you.  You just lowered your hand with a huff and dramatic eye roll. 

“Unbelievable,” you told him as he stood back up and waved in your face.  You stood cross-armed as Jungkook just shook his head at your attempt at pouting.  He finally looked at what you were wearing- a new sundress and sandals with a cardigan.  He rose his eyebrows. 

“You look nice,” he commented without filter, the words slipping off his tongue as he wanted to bite it off from the look you gave him after he said it.  You looked down and pulled on the fabric of the dress before you shrugged and patted it back down. It was summer, it was hot and it was vacation time.  It seemed appropriate to you- plus you were meeting your Familiar’s family.  You didn’t think a sweatshirt and torn up jeans would really feel right. 

The two of you were soon stepping on the train out of the city- pushing your way through the crowd of rush hour morning travels.  The train was crowded as Jungkook looked around for you to sit somewhere.  You were being jostled from the train’s jerks and some random dude behind you was looking at you in a way that made Jungkook irk.  He was soon moving you to sit on a free bench seat as he stood and held onto the safety bar in front of you.  Anyone who looked at you below the knees had a glare and a puff of smoke blown into their face. 

The ride ran two hours and soon you were stretching up from the long sitting trip and stepping off onto the outside train platform of the country.  The air was a far stretch from the city air and it was quiet.  A small ticket window was sat in a small building attached to the platform but not much was there.  A small antique shop and snack shop. 

“I didn’t know you were a country boy,” you jested as you elbowed Jungkook’s side.  He looked down at you. “You’re so cocky, anyone would think you’re city born and bred.” 

Jungkook shook his head as he was soon looking over his shoulder as someone called him. The old man working the ticket window had slid it open and waved to the high schooler.  Jungkook smiled in recognition as you just looked back and forth between the two.  Jungkook looked at you with a shrug and smile. 

“It’s a small town.  Everyone knows everyone.”  He guided you over to the old man- a friend of his dad’s.  You exchanged greetings and just stood and watched as the two talked.  The old man talking about Jungkook’s father and him replying that he was here to visit.  They talked for a few minutes before Jungkook was insisting to leave, having a place to be anyway.  

You bit back a laugh as Jungkook just sighed from having to keep his conversation brief.  Especially when it came to you.  Not every human knew of magic and myths. With Jungkook being from a small town like this, only a handful- if that- actually knew he was a dragon.  So, trying to explain that you were here to meet his family and spend a vacation with him despite not being in a relationship was tough.  

“I’m just gonna tell everyone we’re dating,” he came to a pouting conclusion.  You swatted his arm. 

“It’s wrong to lie,” you told him before he was dragging his feet.  

“I’d be the best boyfriend.” 

“Yes, because top tier means sneezing fire into my face.” 

“I’ve never- oh wait.  Nevermind,” he was about to deny the fact, but the memory of him sniffing some random potion you were brewing making him sneeze came back to him.  He then gasped, “that was one time anyways!” 

“You still singed my hair!”  Both of you bickered back and forth until Jungkook noticed the house just down a small path.  Elbowing your side, making you wince and rub on it, he smirked and pointed.  Following his finger, you saw a small farmhouse.  Well kept for the location being out in the middle of seemingly nowhere.  White with dark lining and a patio that rounded the front and left of the home.  Just looking at it from afar made you feel a sense of welcome that you hadn’t felt before. 

Walking on ahead of you, Jungkook took the lead as you were left to catch up to him. The closer you both got to the house, the easier you could see it and it wasn’t long before Jungkook caught sight of a little girl running back and forth on the porch. In return, the girl noticed the duo and when you got close enough to her, she shouted in through the front door inside. Then, she turned and started running at you both. 

Barreling into Jungkook’s gut, her head plowed into his stomach as she latched herself onto his lower half, leaving Jungkook a semi-coughing, semi-laughing mess. She looked so young, so small and it didn’t take a genius to know that this was Jungkook’s younger sister. 

“I missed you,” she pouted into Jungkook’s shirt.  He placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair that was as dark as his own.  “You never come home to visit!” She continued. 

“I’m busy at school, you know that, Lil,” Jungkook laughed out.  Pulling her back to lift her up, he soon held the little girl on his hip as she noticed you and smiled.  “Liliana, this is Y/n.” He leaned to whisper in her ear, “she’s a witch.”  Liliana gasped as she looked at her brother in shock and awe before looking back at you and giggling- bouncing in her brother’s arms.  

She leaned to whisper back in Jungkook’s ear, away from your hearing.  “She’s pretty,” she complimented.  Jungkook chuckled.  

“I completely agree,” he told her.  You stood there, arms crossed as you tapped your finger on your arm.  Jungkook soon laughed at, you clearly disliking being left out of the conversation. Jungkook introduced you both properly, sister to master and master to sister.  The entire time Lil was more interested in staring starry-eyed at you than holding any sort of coherent conversation a child could carry. 

She was soon leading you- more than Jungkook- inside to put your stuff away somewhere.  Lil was more than a bit impatient for you to fill her head with all sorts of magic tales and wanting you to show off your magic.  The fact that her brother was literally a magic half-dragon didn’t seem to really impress her. Perhaps it’s because she grew up knowing it. 

As Jungkook carried her back up the porch steps and Liliana talked your ears off, she was stopped in her wave of quick-fire questions by the call of her father who just stepped out of another room.  A red rag wiping off his wet hands he had just washed.  He looked older than he probably was as Jungkook smiled.  

“Liliana, let the poor girl rest.  You can’t just talk over her like that, you know better.”  Though his words were that of a scolding, his tone was nothing but gentle toward her.  She just smiled, nodding to her father as she wiggled free of Jungkook’s arms.  Running to her father’s side and grabbed his hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Y/n.” You were unusually shy when faced in front of him.  Jungkook told you his father and Liliana were just normal humans, but seeing them and their smiles towards you- someone wicked- it wasn’t something you were used to.  

Your father never looked at you like that. And that made you unconsciously grip the arm you kept constantly wrapped up in a bandage because of the wound he inflicted. 

Jungkook nudged your shoulder, getting your mind back to where it belonged- with him. Leading you behind his back, he dragged you inside his home.  He moved you into the living room, sitting you on the couch.  He could hear his father and Liliana go into the kitchen, leaving him a moment to talk to you.  

“You okay?” He asked, leaning into your line of sight. 

You nodded, still adjusting to the warmth you received. Jungkook just smiled as he flopped down on the couch, throwing his chest over your legs.  You squealed at his quick actions as he lay on your lap.  Looping his arms around your midsection and hummed.  You floundered, slapping his head as you started scolding him. 

“What are you doing?! Get off me!” Jungkook chuckled before he started laughing, outright rejecting your demands.  Your flustered outbursts weren’t backed up enough with legitimate demands to trigger any sort of subjugation, so Jungkook stayed exactly where he wanted. 

The chaos was added when Liliana heard the ruckus and ran into the living room, seeing her brother thrown over your lap.  She gasped before she tugged on her brother’s shirt collar, trying to free you.  Jungkook only laughed at her lack of strength as he clung to you. His teasing towards Liliana only made your own head spin more. 

His father rounded the corner, hearing all the noise and just laughed to himself at the scene.  He smiled at the sight of his son laughing so openly.  He just let the children be as he retreated back into the kitchen. He didn’t even go back into the living room when his daughter started screaming at her brother to ‘put his wings away and bring Y/n back down’.  Missing out on the sight of Jungkook unfairly flying up in the corner of his living room ceiling, you in his arms as he teased his sister far out of her reach and you stuck in his arms. 

XXX

On the first night of the trip to Jungkook’s home, you finally seemed to catch your breath.  With Liliana at your side constantly until she was called away by her father, and also being pulled into a mental- sometimes physical- tug of war between her and Jungkook, you finally had a moment of peace.  Liliana had gone to bed, Jungkook taking her because, despite her attachment to you, she did, in fact, miss her brother and practically demanded he takes her to bed and tells her of his classes.  

You sat outside on the wrap-around porch of the house, the sky a rainbow of blurry colors as the sun burned brightly before it would disappear for the night.  You were exhausted if you were being honest.  Being around Yoongi and in your shared dorm wasn’t nearly as exciting and busy as this small farmhouse with Jungkook’s family. 

Hearing the door open behind you, you turned to see Jungkook’s father step outside.  Holding a small mug in his hand, he moved to sit beside you and offered it.  Taking it with thanks, you smiled slightly at the hot chocolate sitting fresh in the mug. 

Jungkook’s father groaned dramatically like any older gentleman as he sat next to you.  

“I sure hope Liliana didn’t wear you out too much,” he joked.  “She’s a little spitfire, but she does mean well.”  

You nodded.  “I know that.  I can tell she’s a fan of anything supernatural.  She kept asking me to do all sorts of magic for her,” you laughed. Remembering how she would get excited every time you did anything even remotely minor.  You were actually kind of glad to summon a bird for the umpteenth time just to see how excited she became after you did. 

“I’m glad to see Jungkook is doing well too,” his father said.  He pulled a small pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one.  Jungkook told you he smoked, but he was doing better than before, not smoking as much and trying to quit.  It was a habit it took to when his mother died, and well he’s trying to stop. “I was always worried about him after his mother passed.  He was always on edge. He had such a chip on his shoulder and rejected so much around him.” 

You nodded.  You remembered the conversation you and he had in the mountain cave about his past after his mother died.  Going on a violent spree and turning on everyone and doing nothing good for himself or for others around him. 

“Jungkook actually told me about his mother,” you told him.  His father was shocked at that, knowing his son generally refuses to talk about his mother at all.  “He told me about the stupid things he did and all the crap he got himself into.  I guess he told me because at first we really didn’t like each other.” You snickered.  “I guess it wouldn’t be wrong to say we actually hated each other.  We couldn’t be around each other without arguing or shooting our mouths off.  So, it’s not hard to imagine when everything happened in regards to me, he got pretty mad.”  You picked at your finger, slightly regretting how repulsing you two were towards each other. 

“I wouldn’t guess that at all.  He seems rather attracted to you,” his father laughed.  “It’s been a while since I’ve seen him so carefree and teasing.  He’s acting like he used to when his mother was alive.  It makes me feel better about him being away from home.” 

“You think so?” You asked as you took a sip of your warm- cooling- beverage. “I guess we get along way better now.  It’s hard to keep track of how much we’ve progressed as a pair when it comes to our past.” You announced.  You smiled as you looked at your feet. “Honestly, I was scared to come here.” 

“Oh?” His father inquired.  

“My relationship with my dad is… poor.  My mother died giving birth to me, and honestly, my dad couldn’t care less about me, where I go or what I do.  So, when Jungkook asked me to come with him here, I was scared.  I’ve never been around a family that didn’t reject me before- other than Yoongi and Parrish.” 

“I’ve heard that women who birth a baby of magic lose their lives in the process. It must be hard, not knowing your mother.” 

“I feel like if I knew her and then lost her, it’d be harder than it is now.  That’s why I felt a connection with Jungkook when he told me.  We finally had something in common.  We don’t have moms anymore.”  You tapped at your mug as you got lost in your mind.  Wondering what your mother was like as you often did when she came up in conversation.  

“So,” his father started, “who are Yoongi and Parrish?” You turned to him with a smile as you drew your knees up, almost excited to talk about them. 

“They're my family!” You beamed.  “Well, kind of.  Parrish took me in as a kid when my dad… well, that’s not important.  But Parrish and Yoongi basically let me live with them and Yoongi is like my brother.  All he does is tease and push me around though,” you sighed.  “He gets in my den all the time, steals my candles and makes me his scapegoat when he’s late for class!” For all you knew, he could be in your shadow hearing you bad mouth him and is making tally lists for how many chores you need to do as payback. “Parrish is way nicer than his son,” you pouted.

Jungkook’s father laughed as you complained, yet still endearingly spoke of your little unofficial family. You continued talking to him and the more you did, the more he could understand just how you and Jungkook could hate each other, in a weird sort of way.  You two were very much alike in more ways than one.  So, the fact that you two found common ground and grew because of that put him at ease. 

When it got darker out, his father ushered you inside to avoid getting a chill.  Heading in, you found Jungkook wandering around as he sighed at seeing you.  Saying he was looking around for you; you just rolled your eyes as his father explained that the two of you were talking outside.  It had been a while since he had a good conversation with someone other than his young daughter.  

You were to be staying in a spare room they keep in the house usually used for storage, but had been cleaned out due to your arrival. A small bed, a dresser, and vanity with a closet that wasn’t much bigger than your own back at the dorms.  Though the small room had a homey feel to it and you openly accept the family’s graciousness- as you were half expecting it either book it on the couch or in Jungkook’s room on a blanket pallet on the floor. 

It was nearly midnight and you couldn’t sleep.  The small lamp on your dresser lit your room dimly as you sat on the bed, suitcase only half unpacked. You only pulled your pajamas from it, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt (honestly one of Yoongi’s you stole). You didn’t know what to do with a lot of your stuff, feeling out of it from the new surroundings.  It was a nice place, but so different. You were restless.  

Jungkook could feel it.  He sat in his room, uneasy as he could feel all of your out of place emotions.  It itched under his skin and he couldn’t sit still- much less sleep because of it.  He brought you here to let you breathe, but it was going to be some work to get you to relax.  He sighed as he got out of bed, leaving a shirt behind as he walked out of his room with only his sweats on.  

Heading down the hall, he knocked on your door before entering even before you granted him access.  Walking in, he was greeted with you crossing your arms on your bed in the dim room.  More or less what he expected.  

“You can’t wait for anyone, can you? I didn’t say you could come in.” 

“It’s my house. Suck it up, honey.” He chided as you just rolled your eyes at him.  He shut the door behind him, walking to you and plopping himself down at the foot of your temporary bed.  “Why are you restless?” 

“You can tell?” You anxiously asked. 

“Yeah, I think your emotions are rubbing off on me.” 

“Sorry,” you told him, tinkering around with your fingers.  Guilt in your mind he could feel in his gut.  “I’m just not used to this,” you waved your hands around.  

“Do you not like it here?” 

“No!” You rejected.  “I do, but it’s just too peaceful, you know?  I’m used to the busy dorms with people going in and out and banging on walls to shut people up.  Or, going home and being in the uncomfortable area of my father.  I’ve never been to somewhere I’m able to relax before.” You lay backward, flopping onto the bed.  “It’s hard to relax when you never have before, you know?” 

Jungkook smiled at you.  He reached out and pinched your leg- exposed by your sleep shorts.  You squeaked, kicking him in reflex as he laughed lightly.  He turned to crawl towards the window by the bed, unlocking it and opening it.  Sliding a leg out, he was soon slipping out the window.  He looked at you when he was outside, pulling his wings out of his back as he leaned back in the window, looking at you. 

“Come out here. We can go explore!” He smiled.  

“Explore? At midnight?” You asked as he only nodded. 

“I want to show you something.” 

You side-eyed him.  “What if you're pulling me out of your house to ‘explore’ only to murder me because you secretly still hate me.”  He rolled his eyes as he reached in and grabbed your arms, pulling you across the bed and soon pulling you out the window.  Panicking that you’d ungracefully fall out the window, you clung to the dragon dragging you outside. 

Moving you around, Jungkook soon had you sitting on his chest as you glared at his dragonesque form, your eyes speaking words for you as he just mocked you. Now held hostage in the air, Jungkook was soon flying off away from the house, not knowing his father was watching from his own window as the two of you flew off- laughing at himself. 

XXX

You had nearly fallen asleep as Jungkook moved through the night air.  Being cool enough to make you shiver, Jungkook’s body was like a furnace that kept you warm.  Clinging to his chest, you nearly dozed off a handful of times, only woken up at Jungkook pushing on your back as he held you.  It wasn’t long before he finally stopped his flight and settled you both in the middle of a forested area.  You sent him another weary look. 

“You aren’t actually going to kill me in cold blood, are you?” He just smiled at you as he sat on a rock, sitting you on his legs.  Not letting you move, he made sure his arms were around your stomach, interlocking his fingers as he sat his chin on your shoulder.  “You’re awfully clingy.” 

“It’s cold,” he said nonchalantly. 

“You don’t get cold, you fire-eater.” 

“Then, you’re cold so I’ll keep you warm.”  He said, too proud to actually tell you that he just wanted you close to him.  He sat with his chin on your shoulder in silence as you finally seemed to relax.  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flicker before he lifted his chin.  He nudged you, who started to doze again. “Hey, don’t sleep yet.”  

Waking lightly up, you gasped when something glowing a warm yellow hovered above your nose.  Thought to be a firefly, you rubbed your eyes when it wasn’t a firefly at all.  It was a dragonfly, glowing bright and warm in the dead of night.  Soon, dozens of dragonflies were buzzing around the forest in a warm, yellow glow.  Lighting the forest like the dawn.  

“They’re a magically developed crossbreed of a dragonfly. Green tail dragonflies properties mimick that of a firefly. This is where they live. They stay away from heavily populated areas and prefer clustered forests where they can fly freely.”  Jungkook told you, more than familiar with the insects hovering around.  

“They’re beautiful.” 

“Do you feel better now?” 

“What? Did you bring me all the way out here just to lift my spirits?” You teased with a small smile.  Jungkook just plopped his chin back onto your shoulder, smiling at you. 

“Yes, I did.”  

You weren’t expecting him to be quite so blunt; but instead, battle you with sarcasm and teasing of his own.  Turning away from him, you were glad it was dark out because he would waste no time in teasing about your red face- you’d just blame it on the chill outside. 

“I wonder what you were talking to dad about earlier,” he told you.  “I hope he didn’t pry into your life too much.  He has a bad habit of getting a bit nosy.” 

“Just like his son, huh?” He scoffed.  “We just talked a bit about family, nothing much.  He said he was shocked you told me about your mom. Said you didn’t like to talk about what happened.”  

He only nodded, agreeing with his father.  He didn’t, but oddly enough he was glad he did for once.  The conversation and admission of his mother’s death are what bridged a common ground with you.  It’s what brought you both to start agreeing and communication in something other than curses.  That tragic happenstance is ironically enough what made him happier in the situation he found himself in right this instant. Bound to you.  

“I regret hating you,” he admitted.  Pushing his forehead into your shoulder now, hiding his face behind your back.  “I regret being so awful towards you because of who you are, and I think I’ll feel that way for the rest of my life.” 

“I’ve told you before that it’s okay.” It was the same words he told you back then- back in the cave. He shook his head. 

He moved his hand to hold your arm, your infected blight that he wanted so badly to ignore.  The blight that he may have been able to stop and maybe even avoid if he wasn’t so stubborn back then.  If he didn’t hate you back when it happened, maybe he could've spared you the pain of it somehow and helped with the entire Zaros situation.  Even now, even when the magic is settled dim in your skin- it still ate away at you and hurt you any time you tried to use your trade. 

“It’s not okay,” he whispered guiltily.  Tightening his hold on you.  “Even though it’s not okay, I’m almost glad I hated you.  I’m glad I took you to the cave and told you about mom.  If this is how I feel about you now, then hating you was worth it.” 

“Feel about me now?” You questioned but he only remained silent, not giving you the satisfaction of any answers.  You half thought he fell asleep as you just turned to watch the dragonflies again.  Jungkook remained awake, warming your cold skin before you eventually gave in to your exhaustion and slept against his chest.  

“If this is how I feel about you now,” he said again, in a whisper to not disturb you.  “If this is it, I’m so glad I hated you.” He chuckled as he slowly moved you to carry you, standing and disturbing the dragonflies around as he prepared to go back to his home.  “I don’t think I could hate you again if I tried.  I’m starting to like you way too much.” 

The next morning, when his father went to wake his son up, he wasn’t in his room.  Instead, he found Jungkook sleeping beside you in your bed, still half-dragon. Wings folded on his back against the wall and scales adorning his cheeks. Holding you the same way his father used to hold his mother. With complete care and ease. 

-TBC-

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[lil-meow-meow-goes-rawr]

Trouble Brews

⚔︎ Pairing: Jungkook x OC

⚔︎ Genre: Medieval Fantasy, Knight!Jungkook, Knight!Hoseok, Wizard!Yoongi, King!Namjoon, Prince!Taehyung, Prince!Jimin, Brothers!Yoonjin

⚔︎ Warnings: mentions of abusive relationships, forced marriages, mentions of minor character death

⚔︎ Rating: 13+

⚔︎ Synopsis: Prince Jimin and the king’s ward, Emelyn, decide to take it into their own hands to find out if the legends are true, and if they are, return the knight to the kingdom. 

⚔︎ Masterlist

“Legend speaks of a fearless knight.”

“Nelly, not again.” I groaned, propelling myself up onto the counter.

Nelly ignored my plea and continued on as if I weren’t there. “An invincible being who once protected the kingdom single-handedly against an entire army.”

“You know that’s not possible right? It is physically impossible for any one man to defeat an entire army.”

“It tells a tale of bravery and honor. A knight so strong he could move mountains, sent to protect us from the terror of the moon dragon. Before the reign of King Namjoon began, before peace was formed between the nations, the moon dragon reigned over them all. Terrorizing the kingdoms with a ruthless vengeance. Vengeance for the extinction of its own kind. A vendetta which only the Phantom Knight could stop.”

I rolled my eyes. “Must we do this now?”

“It is by the bravery and skill of the Phantom Knight alone that our kingdom remains standing to this day.”

“Alright, now you just sound ridiculous.”

“Though it was not often the knight would bleed, as no one could ever touch him, those who claim to have seen him hit say his blood runs golden. One touch from the golden blood and you are granted eternal youth. So, you see, our kingdom may never need worry, for if you look to the horizon, you may see a magnificent man atop a mighty steed, patrolling the lands and keeping watch. For to this day, the knight protects the kingdom under the reign of King Namjoon and Prince Jimin. If either were to be cut from the thrown and another took their place, the knight’s protection would cease, leaving us to fend for ourselves against the enemy’s attacks. He will only serve the royal family. There will never be anyone else he will serve. Perhaps this is why others are so keen on taking the throne. For without the knight’s protection, the kingdom would fall prey to those who wish to take it.”

I rolled my eyes at the eccentric woman. Nelly was an excellent cook, yet she had a flare for the dramatics. “You know as well as I do this phantom knight does not exist.” Nimble fingers snatched an apple from the basket in Nelly’s arms as she passed by. “It is King Namjoon’s brilliant mind and Prince Jimin’s unrivaled battle strategies that keep us safe.”

Nelly regarded me solemnly, as if she pitied me. “The King’s ward would believe such lies.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean no disrespect, Milady,” she stammered, “of course we have the brightest King in all the kingdoms.”

I took a bite of the apple, crunching on it loudly as I thought over her words. “It’s not because I’m the King’s ward that I do not believe in this knight of yours. It has more to do with the fact that I’ve done my own research on the subject. There are many tales surrounding his name, and yet he doesn’t seem to have a name to speak of. No one has ever seen him, and it is physically impossible for anyone’s blood to be golden.” I dropped the hard facts on her with no remorse. Nelly may have been my best friend, but she lacked the common sense of most every other individual.

Nelly’s head shook sadly as she clicked her tongue at me. “You kids and the need for proof of everything.” She waved her mixing spoon in my direction. “Isn’t it enough that he protects us? Whoever this knight is, he has done his job well. I can’t bear to think what would happen if he were to cease his watchful eye.”

“Knight or no knight, as long as our kingdom is protected, I am happy.”

“Spoken like a true royal.” Nelly chuckled softly, her feet lightly padding against the stone floor as she busied herself with dinner. “Should the kingdom ever need it, you would make a wonderful leader. I dare say you love the people of this kingdom as much as our dear Prince Jimin.”

A soft smile painted itself across my lips. Jimin was the reason I loved this kingdom so dearly. For it was he who showed me just how wonderful it truly was. I could still remember the day he took me down into the villages, disguised as bakers, armed with cart loads of Nelly’s baked goods. He had introduced me to the people, showed me the beauty of the land. From that moment on, I had vowed to myself that I would do everything in my power to protect this land and all the people in it.

The moon rose to claim the sky as the sun slowly sank away, allowing millions of stars to blanket the now dark expanse. The castle was still. There were not many who remained awake. The king had sent most of the servants off to their quarters for the evening. 

I sat across from Jimin, watching as he poked at his food, occasionally glancing up to catch my gaze. Namjoon sat at the head of the table, his plate of food completely untouched as his fingers slowly massaged his head and a frown darkened his features. Something was bothering him, though it seemed he wasn’t quite ready to share.

A loud silence filled the room for most of the meal until Jimin finally spoke, “Is it true what they say? Prince Taehyung is coming here?” Excitement brimmed at the edge of his words. It was no secret the two were best friends, despite coming from neighboring kingdoms who had a tendency to fight more often than speak.

Namjoon shifted uneasily in his chair, his frown deepening slightly. “It is true.” 

Jimin beamed. “Is his presence a call of duty or has he simply missed me so terribly he couldn’t stay away any longer?”

I rolled my eyes at him, plucking another grape off the vine on my plate.

Namjoon’s eyes drifted over to me for a moment with a clear shine of uncertainty. “The Prince is coming to discuss relations on his father’s behalf.”

“Excellent!” Jimin beamed. “Without the old sot, we may be able to come to an agreement this year.”

I bit my tongue and quickly raised my goblet to my lips in an attempt to hide the grin.

Namjoon shot Jimin a sharp glare. “Watch your tongue, boy. We will not disrespect King Merek in such a way, simply because he is not here.”

Jimin lowered his head and had the decency to look ashamed. “I apologize my Lord, but isn’t it true? It is because of him that our kingdoms have been at odds with each other for so long. Without him here to dictate how this exchange happens, we may be able to come to an agreement.”

Namjoon nodded thoughtfully. “This is what I am hoping for.”

I eyed the king warily. There was something he wasn’t telling us. This wasn’t simply an ordinary meeting between kingdoms. Another motive lay hidden beneath his actions.

Jimin was the first to speak on this, having come to the same conclusion as I had. “This is wonderful news, yet there is something you’re not telling us.”

Namjoon cringed at his accusation but didn’t deny it.

“What is it? You know you can confide in us. Nothing you say will leave this room.” I said, urging him to finally speak the whole truth.

“I prefer not to speak of it at the dinner table.”

Jimin rolled his eyes. “Codswallop. It is only the three of us here tonight. You can speak your mind.” He unceremoniously leaned across the table, resting his chin on his folded hands. “Best to inform us now, rather than have us discover the true nature of this visit later.”

“I hate when you speak sense.” Namjoon grumbled. “Very well then, I suppose it would do good to tell you both now.”

I swallowed hard, suddenly growing anxious. I didn’t like the way his eyes kept trailing over to me, remorse clouding them. 

“Taehyung is coming because,” Namjoon took a deep breath, as if to raise his own courage before continuing, “we may have found an exchange that will settle all bad blood between our kingdoms.”

Jimin sat up a little straighter at his words. “This is wonderful news, is it not? You told me only last month about your doubts of ever finding peace with the Kim line.”

“Perhaps.”

“Perhaps?” Jimin gaped at him. “Are you sure you’re not ill, my King? This should be a time for celebration, and yet you look as though you are about to face the executioner.”

I watched the king expectantly as I raised my goblet once more. “Care to share with the rest of us?”

“Taehyung is coming to discuss your marriage arrangements.”

I choked, spewing my drink across the table. 

“Ugh,” Jimin groaned, wiping my spit off his face.

I turned to the King. “He’s coming to arrange our WHAT?”

“Calm down, Emelyn.” 

I stood dramatically, knocking over my goblet in the process and sending the contents trailing across the wooden table. “I will not calm down! You promised me there would never be any marriages. You promised, when I came under your care that I would not have to endure another forced engagement.” Tears threatened to spill but I angrily blinked them away.

“Why would you go behind her back in such a way?” Jimin asked, jumping in to defend me. “This very kingdom is built upon trust. The very trust which you have broken today.”

Namjoon ignored the Prince’s accusations, his attention kept strictly on me. “Will you not do this? Will you refuse to help your kingdom?”

I choked on my words as I tried to form a reasonable reply. I wasn’t even a member of the royal family. Not truly. It was true I would do anything to protect the kingdom, but this?

“I can’t, Namjoon.” I said, dropping all formality. In that moment, I was speaking to him as an equal. As a brother. Not as my King. “Not after what happened last time.”

Jimin quietly padded around the table and draped himself over my shoulders in a comforting hug. I leaned into him, welcoming the embrace. My mind now reeled with all the memories I had tried so hard to bury. Memories of him. Memories of that night.

“Emelyn, listen to me,” Namjoon said softly. It was clear he had been prepared for this conversation. He knew what my reaction would be, and he had been ready for it. “Taehyung is nothing like Borin. Of that I can promise.”

“Even I can testify to that,” Jimin said, “yet I still think it unfair to subject Emelyn to such a fate. Wasn’t her last betrothal painful enough?”

Namjoon ignored him and instead leaned over further in an attempt to meet my eyes, which I reluctantly allowed. “We were all fools for even striving toward an alliance with that king. The fact that they attempted to infiltrate this kingdom through you was unforgivable. It is the reason that castle no longer stands.” Namjoon sat back, his arms flying through the air slightly. “Why, even the phantom knight stepped up to defend you.”

I scoffed. “The phantom knight. There is no such thing and you all know it! If everyone here weren’t so obsessed with an imaginary figure, then perhaps they’d be able to have a bit of curtesy for the people around them.” Shaking Jimin off me, I stormed from the room, leaving the two men gaping after me.

I refused to speak to Namjoon after that. He had made the decision to allow Taehyung’s visit to proceed as planned, despite both Jimin’s and my own protests. Jimin loved Taehyung. They were the closest friends I had ever had the pleasure of knowing, and yet he remained on my side, never once wavering. For that, I was eternally grateful.

“Perhaps it would not be quite as bad as you think,” Nelly said 

My hands froze, hovering over the potatoes I had been chopping. “Nelly!”

She held her hands up to try and calm me, though the knife in her hand was more unsettling than reassuring. “Perhaps it’s a bit bold of me to say, but I believe Prince Taehyung would make a fine match for you.”

“That is far too bold.” I resumed my chopping, a bit more aggressively than before.

“He’s a fine man. Prince Jimin’s best friend. The three of you are together all the time. Surely it wouldn’t be so terrible to be his wife?”

“You don’t get it. I can’t take another husband. Not again.”

Nelly’s hand came to rest on my shoulder, her eyes soft and reassuring. “I’m not telling you to agree. I’m only saying that you should consider the King’s words with an open heart. If it truly is best for the kingdom, there are far worse men you could end up with.”

I hated that her words made sense. I hated that I couldn’t conjure up an opposing reason to her statement. I hated that I began thinking, she may be right.

Kim Taehyung, Prince to our neighboring kingdom and Jimin’s best friend. We had been friends for as long as I could remember. Ever since the day he and Jimin went out riding despite their fathers having just broken any connections between their kingdoms. I had tagged along without anyone realizing. Jimin and Taehyung had been far better riders than I was and though I had tried to follow their path, my reckless actions nearly got me killed. If the boys had not been there, I would have died that day. Since then, there had been nothing that could tear us apart. Until now.

Tae had hardly looked at me since his arrival. Things between us had never been so awkward. Jimin tried to relieve the tension but to no avail. Eventually, Taehyung and I found ourselves sitting together on the stone bench in the gardens, Jimin having left us for a moment to fetch a few snacks. Whether food would be the magic cure for this awkward situation or not, I wasn’t sure, yet it was worth a try.

My eyes remained glued to the purple flowers that grew by my feet as Tae shifted nervously in his seat. My mind, although racing with unwanted thoughts, seemed to be moving in slow motion. I was having a hard time processing everything. It still didn’t seem real. Taehyung, one of my best friends since I had been six was sitting beside me, not as a friend but as my potential betrothed. 

“Emelyn?” Taehyung broke the silence, though I failed to hear him the first few times he said my name.

“Hmm?” I slowly blinked up at him, attempting to refocus my jumbled thoughts.

He watched me for a moment, waves of uncertainty wafting off him. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for that. “I talked with Jimin earlier,” he started slowly, as if to gauge my reaction, “I think I understand why you don’t want this.”

“Tae -”

“No, Emelyn, it’s alright. I get it, and I am not going to force you into anything.” He kept an unwavering eye contact that made me feel a bit uneasy yet was, at the same time, reassuring. “I only ask that you don’t dismiss the idea immediately. Allow yourself some time to think about it. I promise, if you were to accept, I would not dare to treat you wrongly.”

“I know, Tae,” my voice shook slightly but I refused to look away, “I know.”

He took my hand in his and gently began rubbing circles across my skin. “You would make a wonderful queen. I know you love the people of my kingdom just as much as you do your own.” He smiled softly, his eyes dropping down to our enclosed hands, “I’ve always liked you, Emelyn. If you’re willing, I really do think we could make a good team.”

My mouth hung open at his sudden confession. Perhaps I had been too preoccupied with beating them in everything we did, but I had never known he had feelings for me. My guilt doubled. If I were to deny him now, would I be hurting him?

I decided to answer with a pitiful attempt at humor, “Was that your weak attempt at a proposal?”

He smiled sheepishly and slid his hand out of mine. “Perhaps,” he brought his eyes up apprehensively, “was it horrible?”

I laughed lightly. “It could have used some work.”

Just then, Jimin returned with some fruit and a few of Nelly’s freshly baked rolls. He happily squeezed himself in-between us with a bright smile. “I brought the snacks.”

Taehyung stole a roll from the basket and took a large bite, filling his cheeks with the soft bread, ignoring Jimin’s cry of protest. “I was thinking we should go riding today.”

“Where too?” Jimin questioned.

“Same place we used to. The creek that separates the two kingdoms.”

Before either of us could respond, Namjoon appeared in the garden. “Taehyung, Emelyn, may I see you both for a moment?”

Jimin gave me an encouraging glance as we all slowly got to our feet. Tae offered me a reassuring smile, reinforcing his previous words to me, before following Namjoon back into the castle. 

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. This was it. This was the moment in which my fate was decided. I wasn’t sure I was ready for it, or if I ever would be. For a moment I contemplated running away, disappearing into the crowded streets and avoiding it altogether, but I knew I couldn’t do that. 

Jimin’s hand came to rest on my shoulder and he gave it a reassuring squeeze. “It will be alright. Just know, no one can force you into this. If they try, I’ll beat them until they’re unable to stand on their own sorry feet.”

A tight-lipped smile was the only response I could muster. With one last shaky breath I followed the others out of the garden.

Jimin found me back inside the gardens later that evening. My eyes were bloodshot and puffy from crying. My head pounded as if the knights had been using it for practice. Nothing had gone according to plan. As if there had ever been a plan to begin with. Everything had been so rushed. I hadn’t had time to truly understand what was happening. All I knew was that my future had been at stake and I made the regretful mistake of only thinking of myself. 

“Hey,” he greeted, “care if I join you?” 

I sniffed and motioned for him to have a seat next to me while unceremoniously using the sleeve of my dress to wipe my eyes and nose. Jimin didn’t seem to care, or even notice as he plopped down next to me. 

Flinging his arm across my shoulders, he pulled me into him. “I heard Tae’s father showed himself halfway through.” 

“Mhmm,”

Jimin sighed. “I love Taehyung, but his father is one person I can hardly stand to be near.”

“Jimin,” I said, my voice barely audible, “I think I’ve made a mistake.”

He didn’t say anything at first. I could feel him shift beside me, drawing a bit closer to offer some comfort, but he didn’t push me to say anything.

“It’s King Merek,” I blurted, “he came in unannounced and demanded I return with them to their palace.” The words spilled out of my mouth in a jumbled mess. “I panicked, Jimin. I told him I refused his offer for marriage and that I wouldn’t be going with them. Taehyung stood behind me, but King Merek was furious. He and Namjoon got into an argument and now King Merek has left with a warning that he will be sending his knights to invade. I’ve ruined everything, Jimin. I’ve ruined everything and all because I was too scared to become someone’s wife.”

Jimin took me in his arms and carefully held my trembling body. Still, he didn’t say anything. I was grateful to him for that. He didn’t offer me false reassurance, nor did he sit and blame me for what had happened, even when I knew I would have deserved it. Instead, he whispered calmly to me as we rocked back and forth on the bench together. The words he spoke were of the people. He spoke of the beauty the land held and the kindness of the villagers. He reminded me of everything in the kingdom that had captured my heart. All the days we would slip out of the castle to spend time amongst our people.

“The kingdom still stands despite the mistakes of all those who have ruled before King Namjoon. We are nothing more than human, Emelyn. Mistakes are going to be made. What’s important is how we work to fix those mistakes. Namjoon has amassed the largest and strongest army of any of the kingdoms. King Merek may try to take this land, but he will never succeed. Besides,” he grinned and poked my cheek, “we’ve got the phantom knight on our side.”

I rolled my eyes as I sat up, slipping out of Jimin’s hold. “The phantom knight does not exist. You know that as well as I do.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Have you ever seen him?”

He shook his head and tapped the side of my head. “No one ever has. Remember?”

“Well there you are,” I said, “there is no proof of his existence. How can someone exist if no one has ever seen them?”

“Ah,” Jimin countered with a grin, “but if no one’s ever seen him, who’s to say he doesn’t exist?”

He stood then, leaving me dumbfounded as he strode out of the garden.

The next few nights, I hardly slept. I laid awake, staring at my ceiling and waiting for the sound that would alert the kingdom to King Merek’s invasion. Namjoon had reassured me several times that I had done nothing wrong, and yet the feeling of guilt continued to plague me. Perhaps if I were to ride out and tell them I was willing to accept their offer, there would be no fighting. Perhaps if I did everything I could to make this right, fewer people would suffer.

With a sigh, I pushed myself out of bed. I would be getting no sleep tonight. Grabbing the blanket off the bed, I wrapped it around my shoulders and padded over to the door. Creaking it open slightly, I saw one of Namjoon’s most trusted knights standing guard just outside. The guards around the castle had doubled since Merek’s announcement. Namjoon wasn’t taking any chances. 

The guard, whom I recognized as Hoseok, caught me out of the corner of his eye and his lip twitched up into a small grin. “Young girls should not be out of bed this late at night.” He spoke to no one in particular, though I knew his words were directed at me.

“This young girl is not much younger than you,” I said, “she also holds superiority over you.”

Hoseok chuckled. “Not tonight, Milady. Our King has given me strict orders to keep you in your room.” His smile dropped and his tone became far more serious as he said, “With the impending threats against the kingdom, it is not safe for you to be roaming the castle at night.”

Stepping out of the room, I groaned in frustration as I slid down the wall next to him. “I fear I’ve made a mistake. It is my doings that have put the entire kingdom in the line of danger.”

Hoseok shook his head. “It is no one’s fault but King Merek’s. He is well known for his short temper. Even if the marriage had taken place, he would have found something to anger him. That man has been after this kingdom for as long as anyone can remember.”

“So, I just gave him the excuse he needed to attack,” I hugged my knees to my chest and pulled the blanket tighter around myself, “wonderful.”

“Do not blame yourself, Milady. We will win over his army. Of that I have no doubt.” His signature grin returned. “Besides, we have something King Merek can only dream of.”

I shot him a glare. “If you say the phantom knight, I swear I’ll rip you of your status right here and now.”

His brows shot up in surprise. “What has you so against this knight?” 

“He doesn’t exist!” I shot back. “He’s a myth! A legend! Just as his counterpart, the moon dragon, is. Neither exist and yet everyone is so determined to rely on these legends to save us. If we are to keep this kingdom, people must return to their senses.”

Hoseok frowned, his stance tensing a bit. “The moon dragon exists as well. Of that I am certain.”

“It is just like the knight, no one has ever seen it. What makes it so real?”

“I’ve seen the dragon.” Hoseok’s voice was low.

I watched apprehensively as he crouched down next to me and rolled his sleeve up past his elbow. My breath hitched when I caught sight of it. The long white scar traveled from his elbow down to his wrist and was nearly the width of his entire arm.

“I received this when I was merely six years of age. That was well before Namjoon became king. Before the phantom knight came to our aid. In those days, the moon dragon terrorized the kingdom nearly every night. That was the night my parents were killed. They were both slaughtered by the moon dragon.” Yanking his sleeve back down, Hoseok gave me a hard look. “I know you’ve chosen to believe that these things do not exist, but for the rest of us, they’re very real.” He stood then, his expression cold and blank, returning to his persona as nothing more than my guard. No longer a friend but a protector. 

I hugged my knees closer to my chest as I thought over his words. Jimin had always been so adamant that the knight existed as well. Perhaps there really was some truth to the legends. I had never heard of Hoseok’s past before, though I knew he was one of Namjoon’s most trusted knights. Hoseok had seen us through many battles before. I also knew he had no family to speak of apart from those of us in the castle. Hearing him tell his story now, I saw him in a new light. He wasn’t simply the brave knight with the lame jokes. He was a hero in his own right.

“Milady!” Hoseok’s frantic voice pulled me from my jumbled thoughts, back into the present. 

I peered up at him, a question on my lips when I heard it. The sound I had been dreading for the past few days. The sound I knew had been inevitable and yet I hoped would never sound. 

The warning bells. 

We were under attack.

Hoseok pulled me to my feet and shoved me back inside my room. “Stay there,” he ordered, “do not leave for any reason. Someone will be posted outside your door shortly.” Without another word, he slammed the door shut in my face, locking me inside.

I sat at my window, watching as the knights scrambled about, attempting to prepare themselves before King Merek’s army arrived. I hated sitting idly by. I should be down there, helping. I had trained with Jimin and Taehyung when they were younger. I could wield a sword as well as any man, so why must I be trapped here? Useless? 

My fingers tapped nervously against the scabbard on my waist. I had changed into a simple gown and had strapped my scabbard around my waist, ready to leap into action should the need arise. Should it seem that our men were losing any ground at any time, I would join the fray. Whether the phantom knight existed or not was no longer relevant. 

I watched begrudgingly as the knights collectively drew into formation and rode off to meet the enemy. Amongst the knights, I spotted the King and Hoseok together, leading the rest of the men. I hadn’t seen Jimin, but I supposed I could have merely missed him among the hundreds of other faces. 

A knock at the door caused me to nearly fall off my chair in surprise. “Come in.” I called, quickly pulling myself back together.

My personal maid, Alyse, poked her head around the door and flashed me a quick smile. “I do believe everything is all prepared for you, Milady.”

I gave a curt nod in understanding while rushing to the bed to retrieve my boots from beneath it. My grin grew as I finished lacing them up. Alyse waited for me, just outside the room, my cloak in her arms. 

“Thank you,” I said, gratefully taking it from her. 

“The King won’t much like this at all.” She warned as I passed.

“King Merek has a large army. Despite what Namjoon thinks, they’re going to need every abled body they have.” 

Alyse hurried to keep instep with me. “Are you sure this is wise, Milady?” “Wise or not, it must be done.” 

I yelped in surprise when Jimin stepped around the corner, a knowing look on his face. He bowed his head toward Alyse and quietly dismissed her, thanking her for assisting me. His attention returned to me as soon as she was out of sight. “I know what you’re doing.”

I played dumb, adjusting the scabbard on my waist a bit to avoid looking him in the eye. “I’m not sure what you mean? I am not doing anything.”

“You’re meant to be in your room, for your own safety. A knight was assigned as your guard.”

I shrugged slightly, resuming my trek to the armory. “He never made it.” Jimin grabbed my arm to keep me from leaving. “Drop the act, Emelyn. We know where you’re going and what you’re doing?”

“We?” 

Taehyung stepped around the corner, a sheepish smile on his lips. Both men were dressed for battle, clad in chainmail and each armed with their own swords. The extra sword Taehyung carried did not go unnoticed either. 

I groaned and spun to face Jimin. “I’m not going back to my room. You can’t force me to either. Merek’s army is large, you’re going to need all the help you can get, and I am just as capable of welding a sword as any man.”

“Good,” Taehyung chirped, keeping Jimin from saying anything, “because we need you to come with us.”

“What?”

Jimin shot Taehyung a dirty look. “I still don’t know why we’re bringing you, but Tae insists.”

The taller boy shrugged unapologetically. Reaching out, Taehyung offered me the extra sword he’d been carrying. 

I accepted it with an air of caution. “Where are you two going?”

Jimin’s brows dipped down into a deep frown. “King Merek’s army has grown drastically. Our own men are outnumbered, two to one.”

I gasped and nearly dropped the sword I’d been given. It wasn’t possible. Our army had always been larger than his. How had he managed to grow his army so large without our knowledge? Our kingdom had some of the bravest and most well-trained knights in the country, yet even they couldn’t defeat an army that large. Not on their own.

“It’s bad. The fighting has only just begun and we’re already losing our ground. We’ll never survive the attack at this rate.”

My heart sunk. This had to be a sick joke. We couldn’t lose this battle. 

“We think we might have a solution though.” Taehyung quickly jumped in, having caught on to my distress. “We’re going after the Phantom Knight.”

My head shot up as I looked between the both of them in disbelief. “You’re what?”

“He hasn’t shown. Too many lives are being lost and it won’t be long before Merek’s army takes our own. We need to do something.” Taehyung said.

“Of course, he hasn’t shown!” I said in exasperation. “He. Isn’t. Real.”

Taehyung shook his head in shame. “When you told me, she might not want to go because she didn’t believe, for a while I honestly believed you were joking.”

Jimin sighed. “I know you don’t believe he exists, but we’re going. With or without you. We aren’t forcing you to join us, but we are offering. The choice is yours.”

It didn’t take much thought. I may not have believed the knight existed, but I was willing to do anything to save my kingdom. “Let’s go find ourselves a knight in shining armor.”

“Do either of you even know where we’re going?” I asked, urging my horse up a bit in order to ride between them. “It seems as though we’ve been riding in circles.”

“Ask Taehyung. He’s the one with the map.” Jimin said, somewhat breathlessly from the hard ride.

I turned to Taehyung in surprise. “There’s a map to this knight’s location?”

“Well, no. Not really,” Taehyung frowned as he looked between the map and the dark expanse of fields before us, “more like rumors. Places marked down of where people claim to have seen him. Putting them all together, we can sort of guess where he might reside, but no one is certain.”

“And no one’s ever gone looking for him?” I questioned, my head shooting back and forth between the boys.

“A few have, but no one’s ever been able to find him.” Taehyung said.

“I wonder why.”

“He’s a phantom knight for a reason,” Jimin said, “if he wanted to be found, he’d come live down in the villages with everyone else.”

“Or,” I looked at each of them pointedly, “he simply doesn’t exist.”

“If I’d known you were going to be so cynical the entire journey, I wouldn’t have offered to take you along.” Jimin grumbled.

I rolled my eyes. “You need me. Admit it.”

Jimin sputtered but Taehyung merely shrugged indifferently. “You’ve been training with us since we were kids. The three of us work well as a team. It seemed smart to take you along. There’s safety in numbers, but there is even more safety in numbers who work well together.”

“Seems logical to me,” I pushed my horse a little closer to Jimin’s and nudged his arm with my own, “what’s got you so ruffled.”

“He didn’t want you along.” Taehyung answered for him.

“Why?”

Jimin groaned. “Because you’re my little sister. If anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself.”

“I am not technically your sister.” I pointed out.

“You may as well be. My job is to protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting.”

“You’re not getting it!” Jimin shouted, yanking his horse to a halt and facing me with wild eyes. “Out here, we’re not protected. If the knight never showed himself at the battle raging just outside the castle, he definitely won’t be here to protect us. If anything were to happen, if the moon dragon were to appear-”

“It won’t.” I quickly stopped him. “The dragon won’t appear.”

“Uhm, you may want to rethink that promise a bit.” Taehyung said, his voice small.

“Not now, Tae.”

“No really, you may want to just want to rethink that statement.”

“Look, I get it, there’s no proof the thing doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean it’s all just stories either. How are we to know if these things really exist? What if we’re just riding around in circles for nothing while our knights continue to die in battle?”

Jimin threw his head back with a groan. “The phantom knight is our only hope of survival. Can you at least pretend to care for a moment?”

“Guys?”

I scoffed. “I do care! Why else would I be out here arguing with you when I could be on the front lines helping to fight?”

“Guys.”

Jimin motioned in the direction of the castle. “Please, go fight. Perhaps you can talk them all to death as you try to convince everyone that the knight doesn’t exist.”

“Guys!”

I turned to him in annoyance. “What?”

He only raised a shaking hand to point at the sky behind me. 

I rolled my eyes and shoved his hand down. “Now is not the time, Tae.”

He shook his head, his eyes wide with fear. “Turn around.”

With a sigh, I did as he said and instantly, my breath caught in my throat. What looked to be a giant black bird was flying directly toward us – that is if a blackbird had the wingspan of the entire knights’ training grounds.

Jimin nearly fell off his horse. “Th-that’s a – that’s a d-d-” 

“Dragon.” Taehyung breathed.

I couldn’t believe it. I’d heard of dragons before, yet I had never seen one in person. They had nearly gone extinct over the past decade. 

Jimin cursed and I smacked the back of his head for it. We may be under attack from a dragon, but that didn’t leave cause for foul language. Namjoon was constantly reprimanding him for his dirty mouth. 

“Let’s not panic, shall we?” I said, attempting to keep my horse from bolting out from under me. “I’m sure he can hear the sounds of the battle and that’s what is drawing him out. We’re just three people. He’s not going to come for us.” My brows slowly sank into a frown as my words sank in. I’d said it to try and ease the boy’s anxiety, yet it had only managed to raise my own. What if I was right? What if it flew right past us and went straight for the battle? Our army was already losing ground. If a dragon were to join the fray, they wouldn’t survive. 

Despite telling the others to stay calm, fear began controlling my actions, unfiltered fear for our knights and our kingdom. I urged my horse forward, toward the approaching dragon. Jimin and Taehyung shouted after me, but I hardly heard them over the pounding of my own blood in my ears. My horse trembled under me as we raced forward, having put blind faith in my actions. Any other horse would have fought against me, but we’d been a team since she’d first had a saddle placed on her back. We trusted each other completely. In that moment, I truly questioned why. I didn’t even trust myself. Yet she did. 

The dragon didn’t even seem to notice my presence as we approached. I had to change that. I had to get the beast’s attention on me and away from the raging battle. How? How was I meant to draw its attention away from something much larger and more enticing than I was?

Taehyung was the first to catch on. He rode up beside me at a full gallop, winking at me before veering off the right and shouting at the top of his lungs. The dragon cocked its head but didn’t sway its course. Taehyung had the right idea, but it wasn’t enough.

“Jimin!” I shouted, swiveling around to find him still standing several feet away. His face scrunched up as he fought against himself for a few moments before pushing his horse into a gallop. He rode off to my left, joining Taehyung in his shouting match. With a small grin, I joined them.

Our three voices combined were enough to catch the beast’s attention. It screeched and circled above us a few times, its eyes surveying our tiny forms. I shouted for the others to scatter as the beast landed with a bound, its front claw barely missing Taehyung. 

“Hey, you large, scaly beast!” Jimin shouted, bringing his horse around to face the dragon head on. “Where do you think you’re going?” 

“The only ones allowed to terrorize our kingdom are the three of us!” I shouted. Taehyung laughed. “We do that plenty. There’s no need for your giant scaly butt to get involved.”

The dragon eyed each of us individually, as if it truly understood our words and was weighing its options. It eyed each of us individually, before its eyes came to rest on me. My breath hitched in my throat. This wasn’t merely some dumb beast. Simply looking into its eyes showed it was likely more intelligent than I was. The large, dark eyes were surprisingly soft and held such a huge contrast to what I had been made to believe. There was nothing reptilian about them. In fact, they appeared almost human. The steam emanating out the creature’s nostrils, along with the large teeth that seemed to be permanently bared, gave the impression it was there for no other reason than to cause destruction and death. But its eyes - its eyes told a different story entirely.

The large eyes blinked, breaking the spell I seemed to have been placed under a moment ago. Taehyung’s frantic shouting broke through the haze around my mind as I was brought back to reality. Jimin’s eyes were wide and frantic as he raced toward the creature, his sword raised above his head. I didn’t realize what he was doing until it was too late. With a cry of pain, the dragon swiped at Jimin who had managed to cut through his armor, sending the Prince flying off his horse and back several feet. What I assumed to be blood dripped from the wound on the creature’s snout, a dull golden color. 

The dragon shot its head back in my direction. It looked to the horizon where the sun was beginning to rise and then regarded me once more before spreading its wings and shooting off from the ground. I thought perhaps we were home free as the dragon turned back toward the direction it had come. Though I should have known we would not walk away from a dragon encounter so easily. 

I turned to Jimin with a sigh of relief. “See? I told you we would be alright.” Turning my attention back to the dragon, I watched as it circled above us. “Perhaps we should follow it? If the moon dragon is real, then perhaps there is some truth to the knight’s legend after all.”

Jimin shook his head. “There is no way I would let you ride after a dragon.”

At his words, the dragon’s head shot in our direction, locking its eyes on the three of us once more. As if taking Jimin’s words as a challenge, the dragon folded its wings and dove. Everything seemed to slow in that moment. Jimin screamed and leapt off his horse to tackle me to the ground. Taehyung unsheathed his sword and brought it up to counter the dragon, but it merely bounced off the hard scales. At the same time, I urged my horse forward, yet we were no match for the dragon’s speed. Before I knew what was happening, I was being lifted into the sky. A scream escaped my lips and I clung to the talons for dear life as we continued to ascend. Below me, Taehyung raced forward in an attempt to reach me in time, yet it was of no use. His horse was nowhere near as fast as the dragon and within seconds, he was completely out of sight. 

#jungkook #jeon jungguk #medieval!jungkook au #bts jungkook au #jungkook au #bts #bts au #bts au fanfic #bts fanfic #bts fic #bts fanfiction #bangtan sonyeondan #king namjoon #prince jimin #jungkook x oc #dragon hybrid

[monsteronfire]

Dragon Hart | Pt 11

Hybrid!JM x Reader/OC x Hybrid!JK

Dragons are the most rare, sought after hybrids in the business. Considered the most dangerous of the hybrid class, they are categorized by very specific personality traits and are owned only by the highest standing of society. When Hart finds a pair that are considered “defective” because of their personalities, she knows they could be killed and feels obligated to take them in despite never having owned any before. Still a dragon is a dragon, can she really survive owning two at once?

———

“Hey, sorry!”

Tae pouts dramatically at you, shoving a bottle of wine into your hands without replying. Hobi’s carrying a cheese tray with crackers, fruit and various meats that he hands off to you before they both start removing their winter gear. Jimin and Jungkook stand silently behind you, a little on guard, though you’re sure not nearly as much since they actually know your two guests.

“Fuck I hate the snow,” Hobi finally says, ruffling his hair as if to get said snow out of it.

“Yeah, it really rolled around all of a sudden,” you mumble back, turning to carry the gifts into the kitchen. Jungkook follows diligently, his hands held out to catch anything you might drop. The others follow you as well, Jimin greeting them both with a soft smile.

“How’ve you been, Chimmy,” Taehyung questions and Jimin softens at the affectionate nickname, giggling a little.

“Good. Miss Hart treats us very well. She’s very kind to us.”

His cheeks are pink as he speaks and you can’t seem to look at him out of embarrassment when he praises you like that. Jungkook only greets Hobi once you’ve set everything down and he does it quietly, as if he’s afraid to even speak. You’re not sure if it’s because your friends are coming or because you being mad at him really fucks him up, but your mind is racing too much to go in depth about it.

“You’re sure you even want us here, Hart?”

“Yeah... yeah, of course,” you say, finally letting Jungkook do something and take the tray of food into the living room for you. You hand some glasses to Jimin who’s smiling sheepishly at you, though he’s trying to look sweet for you. He knows you’re still upset and it’s made even worse by your anxiety. You hand a few more glasses to Taehyung, grab what’s left and the bottle of wine, and urge everyone to follow Jungkook.

“You guys know way more about dragons than I do, so if they have questions I figure you’ll do better at answering them. Plus having other people here... helps me.”

A knock at your door makes you shoot up from placing glasses down and you feel yourself go slightly dizzy from the anxiety. Jungkook calls out to you softly, his hand warm on your lower back. They’re here already? You didn’t even need to buzz them in! Your head is a mess of racing thoughts, but still you move to open the door and greet them.

“You guys didn’t even buzz,” you say as you open the door. All three of them stand there in winter coats. Jin grins when he sees you, Namjoon grins when he sees Hobi and Yoongi doesn’t grin at all, but frowns even more when he spots Jungkook and Jimin behind you.

“Yeah, that hot girl that lives on the floor below you let us in.”

“Yeah after about five minutes of Jin flirting with her,” Joon adds. He slips past you and makes his way to Hobi, the two of them smiling before sharing a quick kiss.

“So what, you two dating now or something?” Tae asks, looking skeptical. Or rather more like he thinks they’re dumb and/or is teasing them. Hobi turns a glare on him, rolling his eyes.

“Maybe. So what if we are?”

“You guys have only met a few times and literally just drunkenly slept together like four nights ago.”

“I wasn’t drunk, were you drunk Hoseok?”

“Hoseok? Disgusting.” Tae’s smirking as he says it though, more jabbing fun at his friend than actually offended by their union. Hobi sticks his tongue out at the kid, shoving him lightly when Tae retaliates with his own childish gesture.

You let the other two in and finally notice that Jin is holding tubs of potato, and macaroni salad while Yoongi holds two boxes of crackers. You snort at the sight, remembering the cheese and meats tray on your coffee table. As if this were some kind of small party or something. Maybe it was their way of easing the tension and seriousness of the meeting. When your trio of friends finally cast their attention on your hybrids the room falls silent, reminding you why you’re doing this. You close the door and usher everyone into the living room.

“Well, let’s get this started.”

They all file in; Jin, Yoongi, Joon and Hobi taking the couch; Tae taking your armchair and the dragons standing opposite the sofa back by the TV. You stand in front of Jimin and Jungkook, each on either side of you, and thank whatever gods when Jin takes the time to crack open the food before you start. It gives you time to think and lets you know he’s not upset enough to let it affect his appetite.

“I’d like to start of by apologizing; not only because I didn’t say anything, but also because I put Yoongi in danger. You three are my oldest and closest friends, and I betrayed your trust by keeping quiet. I had my reasons, mainly your safety.”

Yoongi snorts derisively and it feels like a jab to your stomach. Still, you continue.

“This,” you motion from one side of you to the other, bringing their focus to first Jimin, then Jungkook,” ... is Jimin and Jungkook, the two dragon hybrids that went missing from my work.”

Jin immediately freezes, his hand poised halfway between the food and his mouth, and his eyes are wide. Yoongi looks a mix of shocked, pissed and a bit worried, and Joon is just pissed. He sighs heavily, his head falling into his hands when he sits forward.

“For fuck sake, Hart. Are you serious?”

You can’t tell if he’s pissed because you’re causing trouble, or because he’s worried for you. Jin puts down the cracker full of cheese and potato salad, still trying to process what you just said.

“I’m confused,” he suddenly says, “... are you telling me that the two hybrids that the police have been investigating about at your work- the ones that were stolen- are the two hybrids in front of me right now?”

“Yes...”

“You,” he pauses a moment to collect himself, his rage beginning to match Namjoon’s.

“You fucking stole two of the rarest and most expensive hybrids in the world, and are now keeping them in your home?!”

“Y-yes.”

“Jesus-fucking-Christ, Hart. What the fuck were you thinking?!”

Yoongi is joining in now and- as you’d suspected- all three of your friends are furious with you. You feel Jungkook nearly pressing himself into your back, probably feeling the tension in the room and wanting to protect you. Or maybe he was just anxious himself and wanted your comfort. Jimin remains where he is, though his hand is now clasping your forearm just below the elbow, as if to comfort himself.

“I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner, but I was trying to keep it from you in case something happened. If I’d been found out I didn’t want you guys to get in trouble because you knew anything about it.”

“You fucking stole from your job! Why?! You’ve never even ran a red light before! What the fuck made you suddenly want to break the law?! Are you insane?!”

You wince at Jin’s shouting and now Jimin is crowding you just as Jungkook is, but you can feel his fingernails growing and sharpening. He’s starting to lose control. You turn and whisper to him, needing to put your hand on his cheek to bring his attention back to you.

“Jimin, calm down. They’re worried, that’s all. They don’t know else to express it.”

He looks at you, but you can still feel his claws poking your arm.

“Damn straight we’re worried,” Namjoon cuts in.

“Hart...”

Jin doesn’t even know what to say anymore, instead standing and beginning to pace the room. Yoongi remains silent on the sofa, just glaring at a spot just behind you. You call Jin’s name and urge him to sit down, but all he does is move back to his spot and stand there.

“Do have any idea what you’ve done? What could happen to you,” Joon questions, seeming more calm.

“Yes, of course. You really think I just did this on a whim? I had a reason.”

“A good one?” Yoongi gripes and you glare at him.

“Yes. Look, each species of hybrid has a main personality archetype. If their personality is outside this norm, they’re considered defective and a lot of them are usually euthanized for it. The less market there is for that species the more likely it is they’ll be killed. Dragons are the rarest breed out there and these two are labeled as defective. If they’d stayed at the center they probably would’ve been killed.”

“So you took them?!” Jin asks loudly.

“Well I can’t exactly afford them, Jin!”

“And I suppose you two helped her?”

He motions to Tae and Hobi, and both immediately shrink away from him.

“Well I don’t work with larger species of hybrid and I needed inside men. Plus I needed help with how to care for them.”

“This could get so bad, so fast, Hart.” Namjoon says.

“I know. I didn’t do this lightly, you guys. I thought it over for almost a month before I decided. Something like defective hybrids is rare at our facility. I couldn’t just let them die.”

“What if you get caught?” Yoongi finally asks.

“I mean do you have a game plan? What if they do what they did the other night only you can’t stop them?”

“I know the dangers. I know what’s at stake. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t want to force you into those dangers as well. Tae and Hobi agreed to help me. We all know what we’ve done. Yoongi I’m so sorry about the other night, that was my fault. I knew the risks of going out like that and leaving them alone. I was stupid and you all suffered for it. But I did this, it’s done. I can’t go back now. I illegally own two dragon hybrids for their safety. I can’t undo this. And I don’t regret it.”

The room is silent, Jimin has calmed down and Jungkook is now holding your hand. Hobi and Taehyung look somber, but determined as if they too were denouncing their regret for it. Jin, Yoongi and Namjoon look like they’ve all just received terrible news. Joon puts his head back in his hands, Yoongi is chewing on his bottom lip and looking off to one side, and Jin finally falls back into the sofa. You don’t know what else to say, so you simply stand there waiting.

“I’ll understand if you guys want to distance yourself from me for a while. Until we’re sure things have cooled down. I can’t hang out much until these guys imprint anyway.” You finally say sheepishly, smiling weakly and holding up the hand Jungkook is holding. Jimin is pushing against your side possessively.

“Imprint,” Joon asks.

“Yeah, that’s sort of why they flew off the handle the other night. Dragons are pretty protective and possessive to begin with, but their emotions are unstable until they imprint on their new owners.”

Still they’re silent after that and when Taehyung stands-heading for the kitchen- he pats your shoulder on the way.

“Give them some time to process. Hobi’ll stay and talk it out with them,” he mumbles quietly to you. You nod and motion for the two dragons to follow him. They do albeit hesitantly.

“I’ll leave you guys alone to... process.”

And you leave them. You enter the kitchen where Jimin is moping at the island, Jungkook is fidgeting on the other side and Taehyung is busy rummaging around in your cupboards. You let out a puff of laughter and make your way to the island. No one says anything for a long time while you all sit in there, but you hear mumbling and talking out in your living room. Taehyung snacks on random things and while you give him looks, you don’t really have the heart to tell him to stop every time he pulls out something new. You’re in there for nearly an hour Hobi finally enters and sends you in to talk to them.

“Yoongi...”

He’s up and making his way to the kitchen, hands stuffed in his pockets though he looks much calmer. He shakes his head and shrugs, looking off to one side.

“It wasn’t something you could control. And I guess I get why you kept it from us. Just be careful, okay Hart? It’s water under the bridge for us, but Jin’s really worried, so.”

He thumbs behind him and you nod, wanting to hug him to solidify his forgiveness, but thinking better if it. Jimin can still see you from the kitchen. You thank him quietly before making your way to the sofa to speak to Jin and Namjoon.

Yoongi continues on into the kitchen, accepting the offer of a bag of nuts Taehyung is holding. He watches the hybrids out of the corner of his eye and while the taller one- Jungkook- seems to not be paying him much attention, the smaller one is watching him. Jimin’s eyes are so sharp and clear that it makes Yoongi’s skin crawl, and when Taehyung finall leaves the kitchen to use the bathroom, the dragon moves closer to him. The hairs on Yoongi’s arms and neck stand on end. There’s tension in the air and he gets the feeling this Jimin kid isn’t planning to apologize.

“She’s ours, you know,” he finally says, his voice low and even- breathy and calm.

“Eh?”

“Miss Hart... She’s ours now. She brought us home and took us in to be her hybrids. One big difference between dragons and your run of the mill mammal hybrids is that we claim our owners as much as they claim us. You may be her long time friend and she may care about you, but she belongs to me.”

Jimin turns to fix Yoongi with a heavy, unblinking stare. Not a glare, not full of anger or hate. There was no desperation or anxiety in his eyes. They were simply calm, steady and dangerous, and Yoongi can’t look away. They promise harm should he ever cross the line again.

“She’s mine. You won’t touch her ever again.”

Feeling idiotically bold, Yoongi decides to test him.

“And if I do?”

I rumble comes from both dragons, though Jimin’s mixes in with his words. He speaks in a growl.

“We’ll have a similar encounter as last time, only she won’t stop me from killing you.”

The day ends with the boys forgiving you for the most part, though Yoongi seems to be keeping himself more distant than before. Still, Jimin and Jungkook seem calmer around Jin and the others, and when they finally leave early in the evening you have to say you feel much better. The boys are even being more affectionate and comfortable around you than before. You end the evening with Jimin snuggling into your side and Jungkook falling asleep on your shoulder while you all watch a movie.

———

Previous :: Next

a/n; So the first part of the texts between Hobi, Tae and Hart are to be read to the tune of Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. 😂 I just wanted some comic relief. This is so long and I’ve had a fuckin day y’all. Anyway enjoy!

@mygukandonly, @j-i-m-i-n-e, @spongebobgotstruckbylightning, @hannahdinse8, @morgsstudies-blog, @asifetch7, @flowerbin131

#bts #bangtan sonyeondan #jeon jungkook #park jimin #jungkook #bts jungkook #jimin #bts jimin #bts smau #bts scenario #bts fake texts #bangtan sonyeondan smau #bangtan sonyeondan scenario #bangtan sonyeondan fake texts #jungkook scenario #jungkook fake texts #jungkook smau #jungkook x you #jungkook x reader #hybrid!jungkook #jimin smau #jimin scenario #jimin fake texts #jimin x reader #jimin x you #hybrid!jimin #dragon hart series

[pasteljeon]

Kura’s Ultimate BTS Fic Rec List - PART 1

Long overdue, here I present to you (part one of) the ultimate list (in no particular order) of authors & fics I’ve read and collected since joining Tumblr. These are people I admire, and whose works I find are beautifully, artistically written. Split into 3 parts bc tumblr said no to me and my fat list. 

Please do check them out and their entire masterlists when you get the chance, this is just a list of my absolute favourites from them! 

[Please also note most of these are rated m.]

Happy reading!

➢ Updated: 05.05.2019

♡ - Super Saiyan Highly Recommended

Author: @happy-meo

Masquerade I : 4/4 ↠ To secretly relieve your stress about your single life and your hard times at work, you cave and decide to give this mysteriously alluring club a chance. At Club Masquerade, you can indulge in your fantasies and indulge in who you really want to be without strings attached. So when you waltz in and realize you’re not exactly sure what you want, two of their best hosts swoop in and are more than willing to help you figure it out… But it seems you’re not the only one keeping secrets in your office.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader/Hoseok | Smut, fluff, mild angst

Masquerade II: Welcome to Burlesque & Balls : 8/8 ↠ Being the receptionist of Club Masquerade and working as a barista wasn’t quite enough to make your ends meet comfortably, so when a new place opens up nearby that’s looking for attractive females to perform in a neo-Burlesque club, you jumped at the chance for a new job and a chance to do something more than sitting behind a desk or counter. But just like your financial status, your love life wasn’t all too great either. When it seemed like all hope was lost, fate had other plans for you. Unexpected suitors waltzed into your life in various ways, and unbeknownst to each of them, you play the field, hoping to overcome your fears and finally find Mr. Right among them… But it seems you’re not the only one keeping secrets. 

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader/Taehyung | Smut, fluff, mild angst

Masquerade III : 7/7 ↠ With Club Masquerade’s original hosts “graduating” one at a time, it’s up to the newcomers to pick up the slack and keep the customers happy. And who better to take the reins than the notorious Red Mask’s prodigy, Jeon Jungkook. But things become a bit difficult when you come into the picture, with your desire to do research on the rules of love and dating through your experience with your host. Will Jungkook be able to satisfy your curiosities… or will someone else?

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader/Mystery BTS member | Smut, fluff, mild angst

Masquerade IV: The Dark Side : 6/6 ↠ You were never lucky in love. Through disastrous dates, consistent unrequited crushes, and broken relationships, you’ve constantly been searching for someone to give you genuine love and romance. And through it all, one person had remained your constant shoulder to lean on. Although you had never seen his face, he had given you a sense of confidence and a place of comfort in Club Masquerade. The more times you’ve failed in love though, the more you realized that may be no one would ever choose you. However, one fateful encounter, thanks to your dog, made you want to hope one more time. Did fate bring you to the one who would finally end your streak of being broken-hearted? Or had the right guy been with you all along?

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader/Taehyung | Smut, fluff, mild angst

“First Meetings” Series : 7/7 ↠ How you first met them. | Fluff

Namjoon | Jin | Taehyung :“Sunflower Boy” | J-Hope : “Sun & Moon” | Jungkook : “Picture Perfect” | Yoongi : “Infires” | Jimin : “Flights & Fate”

Hug Me : 1/1 ↠ You and Hoseok were married, but the married life you thought you would be living is nonexistent now. You two were like strangers living in the same house. You knew his heart was no longer yours, but you still loved him. When the end of your marriage was near, you made him promise to stay with you for just one more month. One month was all you needed to finally let him go.

Sequel - Forgive Me : 1/1 ↠ How can one gain forgiveness from someone who is no longer in a position to give it? How can one be forgiven if they refuse to forgive themselves? How can one move forward to the future… if the past was so much better?

     → Pairing: Hoseok/Reader | Angst

Author: @jungk0oksthighs

Jealous : 2/2 ↠ domestic au

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut

Withdrawal : 1/1 ↠ Yoongi had been your brother’s supplier for years, you were familiar with his name and reputation but never cared enough to meet the man who was indirectly tearing your family apart. That was until your brother got himself into trouble, real trouble, and you found yourself on Yoongi’s doorstep with a very tempting offer. If he cleared your brother’s debts he would get the one thing he never even knew he wanted. You.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Smut, angst, dark themes | druglord au

Infidelity : 1/1 ↠ You and Jin had been divorced for a year but you’re forced to see each other when your son is found cheating on a test. After being called into school you both agree to make more of an effort being civil with each other, but it’s not long before history repeats itself. Family dinners turn into stolen kisses and ruffled bedsheets, but there’s one problem with your new arrangement. Jin’s wife.

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Smut, angst, infidelity

Author: @floralseokjin ♡ 

Of the Sol : 1/1 ↠ A runaway, you’re not accustomed to the way the kind village that took you in live their life—worshipping and celebrating the dragons’ descendants. A story you only ever thought was legend, is that of real life, and you’ve fallen in love with one of this century’s dragon kin. The baker’s son, Kim Seokjin.; or alternatively, Seokjin is hiding a gold dragon dick under all that clothing…

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Smut, fluff | dragon!jin

The Devil Wears Armani : 5/5 ↠ You never imagined accidentally attempting to sell your soul to the devil would lead to this…

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Smut, fluff, mild angst | devil!jin, devil au

Memoirs of a Mistake : 16/16 ↠ A series of hook ups with Kim Seokjin, the college’s biggest fuckboy…

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Smut | college au, fwb au

Sequel - Lostmyhead : 1/1 ↠ Kim Seokjin is the worst thing you’ve ever done, quite literally. Hooking up with him—continuously, for months, is something you regret doing. Mainly because you now have a boyfriend and have seen the error of your ways (mistake!). However, even then, you can’t seem to escape him…or say no for that matter…;or alternatively, Jin somehow convinces you and Yoongi to have a threesome with him…

Pairing: Jin/Reader/Yoongi | Smut

Final - Crystallised : 3/7 ↠ Six weeks, that’s all it takes to forget about the threesome you shared with your boyfriend, Yoongi, and your past…fuckbuddy, Seokjin. After all, it’s no big deal. Yoongi and you are doing better than ever, there’s no reason to regret such a night shared. That is until you hear some gossip in the library one day, and then slowly, little by little, everything starts to fall apart… Can you begin to make sense out of all this confusion, or is it too late?

Pairing: Jin/Reader/Yoongi | Smut, fluff, angst | love triangle au

Best of Me : 1/1 ↠  Jimin has been in love with you, his best friend, since as long as he can remember. Struggling with his feelings he makes a terrible mistake, but maybe there’s a silver lining…? Maybe he can make you see what’s right in front of you…

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader ft. Hoseok | Smut, angst | unrequited love au, cheating au, f2l au

Sleepy ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Jungkook’s never too sleepy for sex.

      → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | domestic au

Author: @avveh

The Secrets Trilogy ♡ : 3/3 ↠ Park Jimin is the office’s oddball. Meek and quiet as a mouse, you never assume too much of him. Your mistake.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, angst

Room for Dessert : 4/4 ↠ A boring company dinner gets a little bit spicy when you notice the tension between you and your table’s waiter.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, light angst | waiter!jungkook

Author: @sodoyouknowbts

One Night Stand : 12/12 ↠ A one night stand with Kim Taehyung turns into something you never would’ve expected.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Smut, fluff | arranged marriage au

Autumn Night : 1/1 ↠ You attend an event to support Namjoon, who is the keynote speaker for the night. You can’t help but feel insecure about the attention and the advances he is receiving from the girls he lectures. You attempt to leave the event early, but he stops you, intent on reminding you exactly what you mean to him.

     → Pairing: Namjoon/Reader | Smut, fluff

Timelines : 8/8 ↠ Jin is a time traveler, trying to get a grip of his ability. He can’t quite figure out why he keeps travelling to times and moments with you.

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Fluff | time traveller au, soulmates au

Author: @army-author ♡

Puppy Loving : 1/1 ↠ Cuddling wouldn’t be complete without Min Holly, Yoongi’s dog, getting in your way.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Fluff

Sequel - Puppy Bites Don’t Hurt Much : 1/1 ↠ When you and Yoongi fall out, Min Holly’s on a mission to make things right again.

Final - Pitter Patter of Tiny Paws : 1/1 ↠ Min Holly’s family is gaining a new member.

Mutual Muses : 1/1 ↠ After helping a young busker one Christmas, he goes on to earn fame and fortune. But he hasn’t forgotten you, or your kind deed.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Fluff | heir au

One Minute under the Mistletoe : 1/1 ↠ You say you don’t want to get back together with Taehyung, but your friends and the mistletoe above your head say otherwise...

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Fluff | boarding school au

Author: @dovechim ♡

Miss Communication : 1/1 ↠ Poly relationships can be complicated. Especially one where there’s an established hierarchy, and someone decides to break the rules. In a series of miscommunications between your boyfriends, you find yourself being the conveyor of peace, and something else that isn’t quite what you expected.

     → Pairing: Namkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | domestic au

Reset : 1/1 ↠ We are made of the pieces of what we remember, and we hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who love us. As long as there are memories to call our own, there can be no true loss. But Park Jimin has no such privilege.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, angst | college au

A Serpent’s Flower (co-written w/ @jimlingss) : 2/2 ↠ The wizarding community has learned from its past mistakes, sure, but that doesn’t mean that house rivalries aren’t still an issue. What transpires between you and a certain Park Jimin seems to go far beyond just house enmity though - it’s downright personal, and one might even say you go out of your way to torment him. But when a love potion goes awry, it may just force you to walk in his shoes.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Fluff, smut | hogwarts au, hufflepuff!jimin, slytherin!reader, e2l au

Sequel - Sowing a Sapling ♡ (co-written w/ @jimlingss) : 2/2 ↠ What no one told you about ‘Happily Ever After’s’: the next day, you’ll still have to wake up and go about your life as per normal, because life isn’t a fairytale. You thought you had the rest of your life figured out: settling down happily with Jimin, ruling over all of Hogwarts with an iron fist as the Potions Master, and maybe, in the very distant future, starting a family of your own. But life, as usual, decides to throw a wrench in your plans. With a baby on the way and your husband insistently refusing all attempts at initiating sex, the arrival of a gorgeous new student teacher spells disaster for your marriage. If getting married to Park Jimin was the happiest day of your lfie, what does it say about the rest of your life?

Discipline and Punish : 1/1 ↠ When your brat of a boyfriend shows up unexpectedly at your workplace, you decide you have to teach him a lesson.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | sub jungkook

Edge : 1/1 ↠ Babyboy!Jungkook 

Songbird : 1/1 ↠ Vocal line basically takes turns breeding you. 

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Jimin/Jin/Taehyung/Reader | breeding au

Dark Side of the Moon : 1/1 + 4/4 drabbles ↠ Falling in love at first sight is cliche, not until it happens to you on a dark night in a lonely alley. But you’re only human, while Park Jimin is Alpha of his pack; it could never work out. so you resort to pining for him like a wolf howling at the moon, but when Jimin goes feral, that’s when everything changes.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | werewolf au

The Airport Couple ♡ (co-written w/ @jimlingss) : 2/2 (1): The P[ass]enger from Hell ↠ As a TSA agent, you expect your job to be relatively easy, most passengers these days follow the rules to the T in order to avoid prolonging their custom checks. But not a certain Park Jimin, who seems to have a problem understanding what 100ml is, or the very simple fact that gadgets must be taken out of the bag, and bomb jokes are strictly off limits. Frequent traveller Park Jimin is your nemesis, but darn is he a cute one.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | frequent traveller!jimin, tsa agent!reader

(2): Park Jimin’s Cock[pit] ↠ Talk about Angry Birds, and most people would immediately think of the mobile game app. But within your circle of friends, it stands for something else. It’s synonymous with Park Jimin, one of the most talented pilots from your batch who also just happens to have anger issues, or in other words, air rage. He is your best friend, but when you get teamed up with him as his co-pilot, you can only pray things don’t go south ... literally.

Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | pilot au

Author: @jungblue

Hidden Stars : 5/5 ↠ It started out simple, but when your feelings start to grow for the idol who isn’t allowed to date, things get complicated.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader ft. Yoongi | Smut, angst | idolverse

The T-Shirt Thief : 1/1 ↠ In the midst of your loneliness due to Taehyung’s absence, you decide that you need a distraction, which somehow manifests itself as going over to his apartment and stealing a t-shirt or two… or three…

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Smut, Fluff | idolverse

I Hate You, I Love You ♡ : 5/5 ↠ You hated him at seven, warmed up to him at twelve, and liked him at fifteen. Now the two of you are twenty years old and inseparable best friends… and you’re absolutely in love with him; he’s in love too—just not with you.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | cheating au, best friends au

The Devil’s Change Up : 1/1 ↠ Majoring in athletic training means you have mandatory observation hours to perform with every single sports team at your school throughout the year, and so far it’s been going pretty great. However, when regrets from your past cause your rotation with the baseball team to become a little rocky, there’s one star pitcher who says that he can make it all better.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | college au, baseball player!jungkook

Author: @kittae

Carnal Cupidity ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Things are a little tense in your relationship with your boyfriend, an alpha wolf and leader of his own pack. After another fight, you’ve had just about enough and decide to take matters into your own hands when his heat approaches. Your methods, however, prove to be more effective than intended…

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Smut, fluff | werewolf au

Anemia : 2/2 ↠ Jungkook is a bored and thirsty vampire, desperate for something new, something fresh. And let there just be a new girl at his favorite stripclub. You.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | vampire au

Heavy Petting : 1/1 ↠ Your boyfriend is not just a cat hybrid, he’s also very needy! When you come home from work and you expect him to be all over you, you’re fairly disappointed to find he prefers a nap over some well-deserved quality time. You’ll make sure to pay him back for that.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | hybrid au | sub jimin

Author: @gimmesumsuga ♡

Sweeter than Sweet ♡ : 80/? ↠ You never would have expected someone like Park Jimin to notice you.  As handsome and beguiling as he is deadly, you’re enthralled from the very moment you meet.  Addicted to his kiss and his bite, Jimin opens up your eyes to a whole new world of love, lust and seduction.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader/Yoongi | Smut, fluff | vampire au

See You ♡ : 2/2 ↠ The one where Taehyung notices you at a concert, and can’t help but want to see you again.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Smut, fluff | idolverse

Orectic : 1/1 ↠ The one where you’re a hybrid in heat, and Hobi helps you out.

     → Pairing: Hoseok/Reader | Smut, fluff | hybrid au

Turn it Up : 1/1 ↠ The one where Jimin takes care of you - and you take care of him.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | sub jimin

Author: @hobibliophile

Blue Blooded : 2/2 ↠ You’ve been happily married to Crown Prince Seokjin for months now. Or so it would appear to the public. What only you and the palace staff know your shameful secret: you never consummated your marriage.

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Smut, fluff | royalty au, prince!jin

Not what it looks like : 1/1 ↠ You run into the campus clown Taehyung when he’s in a weird situation but it’s really not what it looks like. Turns out, Taehyung is not what he looks like either.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Fluff | college au

Try Hard ♡ : 2/2 ↠ Yoongi asks you to help him photograph the university rugby team, and you’re reluctant until you see Jeon Jungkook in uniform. Damn.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | college au, rugby player!jungkook

Author: @inktae ♡

Blue Orchids ♡ : 1/1 + 2/2 drabbles ↠ Hanahaki disease au, soulmate au

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst | unrequited love au

The Blue Notebooks : 1/1 ↠ Time travel au

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Angst

The Raindrop Prelude : 1/1 ↠ Pianist au

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Fluff, angst

Author: @jincherie ♡

Silly Kitty : 2/2 ↠ When your friend Jungkook asks you for a favour you aren’t quite expecting it to end with you taking home the handsome cat hybrid he found in an alley.

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Fluff | hybrid au

Timid ♡ : 1/1 + 2/2 drabbles ↠ Jimin was by far the cutest person you’d ever seen, but he always seemed to avoid you, dodging activities and events that included you. That changes when his home is compromised and he finds himself staying with you while it’s being repaired.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Fluff | hybrid au

Butterfingers : 1/1 ↠ He had you at the first pebble he gave you.

     → Pairing: Namjoon/Reader | Fluff | hybrid au, teacher au

Wanted ♡ : 6/6 ↠ You were a deserter, a renegade, a wanted “criminal”. It was never in your plans to crash land on that planet, and it most certainly wasn’t in your plans to fall in love with it’s handsome ruler.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | space au, alien au, soulmate au

A Well Oiled Machine : 2/2 ↠ Your life takes a bit of a turn when you stumble upon an android in pieces, hidden in an alleyway in an area known for its shadows and debauchery. Taking him home to fix him might have been the best decision you’d ever made, but perhaps there was a little more to the android JK01-97 than you’d initially thought.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | robot au, futuristic au, sub jungkook

Under the Bridge : 1/1 ↠ Your life takes a turn for the better one night when you find a bun under the bridge.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | hybrid au

Tentacledipity : 4/7 ↠ This tale starts, as any good fiction does, with a girl crash landing on a foreign planet. And, like any good fiction, it follows a theme of serendipitous happening, and tentacles. Behold, serendipity and tentacles— or dare we call it…. tentacledipity.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | wanted au, alien au, space au, soulmate au

Author: @gukyi ♡

Start Anew : 1/1 ↠ It’s been five years since you left your hometown, vowing never to return, but a simple invitation to a Christmas party and a yearning to know whether or not you’re truly over the heartbreak you left behind has you wondering if, maybe, the Christmas spirit and promise of a new beginning can change your mind.

     → Pairing: Jin/Reader | Fluff, angst | exes au

I’ll give you my heart : 1/1 ↠ Gift exchanges are cool. gift exchanges with your ceo-slash-best friend Min Yoongi are less cool, because what the hell are you supposed to get the man that already has everything?

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Fluff | ceo au, f2l au, christmas au

Heart is where the home is : 1/1 ↠ When you woke up this morning, you didn’t really picture yourself falling in love with the attractive, well-read traveller sitting next to you on the plane, but a missed connection and an alarming amount of hand-holding later, you find that you both get a lot more than what you paid for.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Fluff, smut | airport au, s2l au

Pen Pals : 1/1 ↠ To put it simply, pretending to be Jungkook’s pen pal when you were both eight just so he wouldn’t be disappointed was a bad idea, because now he’s in love with them. or, well, you, he just doesn’t know it

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | high school au, f2l au

Love, Guaranteed : 1/1 ↠ With the celestial ball quickly approaching, Kim Taehyung is horrified to find out that you, his best friend, are dateless. to remedy this, he initiates The Match Project, a matchmaking service designed to find the most optimal date. to you, it’s an opportunity to meet someone else so you can stop pining after your clueless best friend. To him, it’s an opportunity to finally, once and for all, tell you how he feels.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Fluff, mild angst | f2l au, hogwarts au

Author: @the95liner

Watch Me, Watch You : 3/3 ↠ “Mr. Park, I currently have a 4.0 (A/N: this means 85%+ btw to all the non-american readers) in all my classes of the last four years of my university career, I have one friend, no boyfriend and I haven’t had sex in more than six months. All because I can’t find time to spare for these things since I’m continuously working on assignments, essays and studying for upcoming midterms. I am a hundred percent serious with you right now when I plead for you to give me a second chance or at least consider raising my mark to a decent grade.—”

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff, angst | college au, TA!jimin, camboy!jimin

We don’t talk anymore : 1/1 ↠ Ever since he had seen you play the piano for your music class, he’d been inspired by the complete look of tranquility that conquered your features as your fingered danced across the keyboard. He had made that tranquility his soul purpose of drawing. He dreamt of capturing that expression and gifting it to you.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst, fluff | best friends au, artist!jungkook

Author: @tayegi ♡

What am I to you? : 1/1 ↠ Idolverse, amnesia au.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Angst

Cobalt and Charcoal : 1/1 ↠ Soulmate au.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader ft. Jungkook | Angst, smut

The Golden Boy ♡ : 3/3 + 1/1 drabbles ↠ medical (?) au, fwb au, childhood friends au.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Angst, smut | arranged marriage au, unrequited love au

In Bloom ♡ : 3/3 ↠ Werewolf au.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst 

Roommates ♡ : 3/3 ↠ Roommates au, f2l au.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst 

Equilibrium pt. 1, Polyamory ♡ : 14/14 ↠ Loosely based on Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader/Jimin | Smut, angst

New Rules ♡ : 12/? ↠ Fratboy!Jungkook.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | college au, fwb au

Elements ♡ : 24/? ↠ Circle of magic au, boarding school au.

     → Pairing: OT7 (?)/Reader | Fluff, angst, mystery | magic au

Author: @namjoonchronicles

Iris : 2/2 ↠ Jungkook made it clear to you, who is chasing who. His inability to show PDA made you question your worth. Until one day, you’ve finally had enough.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst | idolverse

Good Guy : 1/1 ↠ Having a baby with namjoon is your lifelong dream, but medical conditions don’t make that possible anytime soon. what happens when your ex boyfriend being a single dad, comes into your life? How will Namjoon handle his jealousy?

     → Pairing: Namjoon/Reader ft. Chanyeol | Angst, fluff | domestic au

Author: @bwitten

Learning Curve : 1/1 ↠ Switch!Jungkook. Pwp.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut

Author: @mrsmon

Little Lights : 1/1 ↠ Angst.

     → Pairing: Namjoon/Reader

Heartbreak : 1/1 ↠ Angst.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader

Author: @taesthetes ♡

Imbroglio ♡ : 1/1 ↠ The first impression is always important. But so is the second.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Fluff | office au, intern au

The Universe of Us ♡ : 1/1 ↠ The story of Icarus tells of a naive being who loved the sun and flew too close, leading to his untimely descent into the ocean. But what the tale didn’t speak of was how the sun and the moon fell in love with him, too. And with the pull of the tides due to the attraction of the sun and the moon, he tosses and turns, torn between two entities.So if Kim Taehyung embodies the sun, then Jeon Jungkook is the moon.And you are Icarus. 

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader ft. Jungkook | Fluff, angst | fantasy au, slice of life au

Law and Order: BTS (collab w/ @milknotes) : 3/7 ↠ In the Bighit justice system, romance-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In Seoul, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Bangtan Police Unit. These are their stories. From scandalizing traffic tickets to cuffing criminals, the seven cops must navigate their way through the dangerous streets of bad pick up lines, stealing of hearts, and a whole lot of doughnuts.

     → Pairing: series of one-shots; each member x reader | Fluff | police au

Gauche : 1/1 ↠ Waking up to a one night stand doesn’t seem as great as it did last night.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Fluff | morning after au, college au

Author: @dreamscript

Grow : 1/1 ↠ He’s rude, like his feral plants.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Fluff | fantasy au

Office Visits : 1/1 ↠ Yoongi has a daddy kink.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Smut | pwp, mafia au

Sunshine : 1/1 ↠ And no, he doesn’t wash off the ink, even when you draw a huge dick on his forehead and the teachers give him dirty looks.

     → Pairing: Hoseok/Reader | Fluff | high school au

Picture Perfect : 1/1 ↠ Yoongi’s searching for perfection. He meets you.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Fluff, angst | artist au

Author: @imaginethisbts

Territory : 2/2 + 2/2 drabbles ↠ Dogboy Tae gets extremely possessive when “that time of the month” rolls around and find’s it hard to control his natural instincts and his dominating nature during the monthly occurrence.  

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Smut | pwp, dogboy!taehyung, hybrid au

Shameless : 1/1 ↠ Taehyung’s the new guy in town, just trying to make some friends. And when Jungkook invites him to a party, he thinks he’s finally gotten a good opportunity to meet some new people. But what he doesn’t expect is witnessing his new friend Jungkook and his girlfriend, you, getting it on in front of him, and all of the other guys, at this so-called party.  

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader ft. Taehyung | Smut | pwp

It takes two to make a thing go right ♡ : 2/2 ↠ What’s better than one dogboy lover? Two dogboy lovers. But when Tae and Jungkook seem unusually clingy, it can only mean one thing. That time of the month has snuck up on you and your dogboy lovers do not want to share.  

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader, Jungkook/Reader | Smut | pwp, hybrid au, dogboy!taehyung, dogboy!jungkook

Author: @kainks

Orange Tulips ♡ : 1/1 ↠ You’d remember Jungkook with every life you lived. Only he’d never remember you, never recall how your fates were written in the stars since the beginning of time. 

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst, smut | soulmate au, reincarnation au

Complete : 1/1 ↠ Jungkook. Staff room sex. Feelings revealed.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | idolverse

Midnight Suck : 4/? ↠ You had seen him drain the life out of someone, there was no way he could leave you alone now.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | vampire au, soulmates au

Author @imsarabum

I won’t stop you ♡ : 30/30 ↠ You drive to your boss‘ house with the intention of returning his wallet he left at the office. You feel uneasy, seeing his manor for the first time - Jungkook also feels uneasy, but for reasons that you could never begin to imagine.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | vampire au

I need you : 1/1 ↠ You and Taehyung are in love with each other, but have never made your relationship official. Taehyung gets too drunk and ends up making out with another girl - and Jungkook lets you know everything the next morning.  

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Angst | college au

Author: @yoonia

Undo ♡ : 1/1 + 7/7 drabbles ↠ You were his soulmate, that part he knew well. Until one day he didn’t want you anymore. He couldn’t, when all he could see from you was light and all he felt within himself was darkness. Your love has gone cold as he retreated from you, burying himself deep in the dark. But what happened when Yoongi had to watch you start over with somebody else, when Yoongi let his selfishness gain control on him of you.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Angst, smut | exes au, slice of life au

Over Again : 3/3 ↠ Sometimes all we need is closure from the past to be able to move on.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Angst | pianist!jimin, artist!reader

Author: @nchu

Private : 1/1 ↠ A glimpse of something private, something that should have remained unknown to your eyes and suddenly the boy you had believed was innocent had become a man practically reeking of testosterone. 

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | idolverse

Cheat ♡ : 1/1 ↠ infidelity au.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Angst | idolverse

Author: @ellieljade

Apologies : 1/1 ↠ After a fight, Taehyung can’t bring himself to apologize to his girlfriend until he realizes that she might have moved on. If he wants her he needs to go get her.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader | Angst, smut | idolverse

Only Mine ♡ : 1/1 ↠ When you realized your boyfriend was cheating you didn’t expect the waiter you chose for retaliation to become so important to you. Now that you are engaged it is time for you to finally declare who is the one you belong with.

     → Pairing: Hoseok/Reader | Angst, smut | waiter!hoseok

This is how you lose her : 7/7 ↠ A series of short one shots focusing on the moment or choice that will lead to the end of a relationship.  

     → Pairing: each member has an individual chapter | Angst

Author: @noona-la-la-la

Unexpected : 8/8 + 1/1 bonus chapter ↠ An attempt to make Yoongi jealous goes to far - but his reaction is unexpected.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader ft. Taehyung | Smut, angst 

Nursemaid : 1/1 ↠ Jimin’s crush comes over to his house to help him out after he suffers an injury that leaves him with limited use of both hands.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut | college au

Author: @winetae ♡

Love me, love me ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Legally speaking, Jimin is yours - the shiny collar clasped around his neck and the adoption papers attest this. But behind closed doors, Jimin makes sure you understand that he isn’t anyone’s bitch.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut | hybrid au

Nudes, not flowers : 2/2 ↠ You’re not supposed to fall for Jung Hoseok and his repertoire of awful pick-up lines - but you do. The problem is: he’s afraid of commitment, and bolts at the idea of settling down. After that, you decide to stay far away from fuckboys, but his friend decides to test your new found resolutions.

     → Pairing: Hoseok/Reader, Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | fuckboi au, college au

Sequel - Tessellate : 2/? ↠ Triangles are supposed to be the strongest and most stable of geometric shapes. You wonder how true this statement is if applied to real life situations. The way you see it: triangles aren’t a reliable structure for relationships, especially if the parties you’re involved with find commitment to be a foreign concept.

→ Pairing: Hoseok/Reader, Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | fuckboi au, college au

What you did last summer ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Yoongi was fine with a lot of things - you maxing out his credit cards to buy ridiculously expensive items of clothing that you never wore more than once, you taking out his newest ride for a spin without permission, you spending an extra thirty minutes on your hair and makeup when he was running late for a dinner function. What he was not okay with, however, was sharing your pussy with barely-out-of-college boys who are incapable of going five seconds without creaming their pants. No, that was where he drew the line.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader ft. OT6 | Smut | trophy wife au

Hearts on Fire : 2/2 ↠ Your boyfriend is a dragon. Or so he claims.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, fluff | dragon!jungkook

All that is Gold : 1/1 ↠ As a college student struggling to make ends meet, Taehyung resorts to a less than ethical method to satisfy his appetite for expensive treats. The last thing he wants is for you to find out how he acquires the Gucci in his closet ... however this proves to be difficult when you are his roommate.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader ft. Female OC | Smut, angst | roommate au, college au, sugar baby au

Author: @minsvga

Lifetimes : 1/1 ↠ You spent almost four lifetimes with the love of your life, hopelessly and happily in love with each other - until you lost him, somewhere in the complex webs of reincarnation. It had been almost two hundred years since then and you hadn’t seen him since, with nothing left of him but his memory.  

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | reincarnation au, soulmates au, high school au

Inked ♡ : 1/1 ↠ You woke up to an empty bed, groggy and awake and looking for his warmth under the blankets. But all that was left was a letter taped to the desk, the pungent tang of alcohol, and his cologne. He was gone.  

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Angst, smut | best friends au, musician!yoongi 

Author: @joonbird

Breakfast in Bed ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Min Yoongi, a grumpy Ikea employee, is wondering who you are and why exactly you’re sleeping in the display bed at his Ikea. 

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Fluff, smut, humour | ikea employee!yoongi

King Cobra : 1/1 ↠ Yoongi, the zodiac snake hybrid, requests an evening with you - and asks dog hybrid Taehyung to join.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader ft. Taehyung | Smut | hybrid au

Comfort Inn Ending : 7/7 ↠ It was you who Jungkook gave his heart to - that is, until the day you broke it. And it is you now, hoping that some faultlines can be repaired, and that some broken hearts can be put back together again.  

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst, smut | infidelity au, idolverse

Author: @kookingtae

The Switch ♡ : 1/1 ↠ You think you’re getting a normal Christmas present from your boyfriend Hoseok, but what he doesn’t tell you is that your gift includes a special power he and the rest of the boys have, enabling them to switch off between one another… during sex.

     → Pairing: Hoseok/Reader ft. OT6 | Smut

True Feelings : 1/1 ↠ You and Jimin have been best friends since before you could remember, but one night could change everything.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, fluff | best friends au, f2l au

Author: @kimvtae *** She no longer writes for this fandom, but please give her works love regardless!

All’s Fair ♡ : 1/1 ↠ They say soul mates get their marks on the same day, and you’ve been dating Taehyung for almost four years now, but it isn’t his name that shows up on your wrist. It’s Jeon Jungkook’s, also known as your least favorite person in the world.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader/Jungkook | Smut | college au, soulmates au

Diamond in the Rough : 2/2 ↠ When a business heir from Busan, Jeon Jungkook, meets you, a poor girl from Daegu, he doesn’t expect to fall as quickly as he does. He’s been told for his entire life to avoid Daegu, a town riddled with gangs and a history of a brutal murder in Busan, but he can’t stay away from you, even when he’s warned that you’re not good enough for him.

      → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst, smut 

Fall for You : 3/3 + 2/2 drabbles ↠ You hate a lot of things about Jeon Jungkook; you hate his arrogance, his repuation, and his pet name for you to name a few. But most of all, you hate how right it feels for you to fall into his arms, and how easy it is to fall for him.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | fuckboi au, college au

Dangerous ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Control is all about trust.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | sub!jungkook

Author: @jimlingss 

The seven kinds of love ♡ : 1/1 ↠ Love - an intense feeling of deep affection.

     → Pairing: OT7/Reader | Fluff, angst

Service Series : 7/7 + 3/3 drabbles ↠ Do you need a service in the area of love? Look below and maybe you’ll find something you’re looking for!

     → Pairing: each member has a chapter | Fluff 

Azure Blue : 2/2 ↠ Fairy au.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Fluff, mild angst

Author: @chiminiemoans ♡

Slight Changes ♡ : 7/? ↠ Taehyung gets caught.

     → Pairing: Taehyung/Reader ft. Jimin | Smut, angst | idolverse, infidelity au

Oblivious : 1/1 ↠ It’s normal for you and Jungkook to bicker all the time, your friends describing your friendship like a cat-dog relationship, but your arguments are only getting worse progressively and you don’t understand why.   

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, light angst | best friends au, f2l au

Employee Perks : 1/1 ↠ Sure, the employee perks at your job were bonuses, life insurance, sick leave, health benefits etc. etc., but the best employee perk of all was working with a man known as Jeon Jungkook.  

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut, angst | retail au

Appetence : 1/1 ↠ Jungkook fulfills one of your fantasies.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Smut | idolverse

Author: @submissive-bangtan ♡

Sloppy Savvy : 1/1 ↠ You dominate JK and Yoongi in a passionate threesome.

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader/Yoongi | Smut | sub!jungkook, sub!yoongi

Trophy Boyfriend ♡ : 1/1 ↠ He’s accomplished. He’s sexy. He is the perfect subordinate. But something about your new secretary seems off. Yoongi wouldn’t be the first spy in your company.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Smut, action | business au, ceo au, e2l au, sub!yoongi

Snowdrop : 1/1 ↠ The first thing you do after moving in together and setting up the bedroom is attending to Valentine’s joys in the sheets.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Smut, fluff | sub!yoongi, domestic au

Boss Witch ♡ : 4/4 ↠ A mighty sorceress turns her apprentice Jimin into a pain-loving baby boy.

     → Pairing: Jimin/Reader | Smut, angst | witch au, sub!jimin

Fuckin’ Wembley : 1/1 ↠ You take care of a pliant, blindfolded Yoongi before BTS’ concert in London.

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Smut | idolverse, sub!yoongi  

Author: @dat-town

Bed warm, hearts cold ♡ : 2/2 ↠ “I wanted darkness… I wanted him.”  

     → Pairing: Yoongi/Reader | Angst | greek mythology au, hades!yoongi

Beautiful & Stupid : 2/2 ↠ Didn’t you know? Beauty can get you cursed.  

     → Pairing: Jungkook/Reader | Angst | percy jackson au

*wipes sweat* whew. this took me 4 days to format sksjd. part 2 and 3 will be out soon! in the meantime, please check these awesome authors out!

#bts #bts fic recs #fic recs #jungkook x reader #jimin x reader #taehyung x reader #yoongi x reader #hoseok x reader #namjoon x reader #jin x reader #jungkook smut #jimin smut #taehyung smut #yoongi smut #hoseok smut #namjoon smut #jin smut #yeethaw #enjoyyy

[magicalsalamander]

Opal Eyes of the White Fang Chapter II

Pairing▹ BTS Jungkook ⇆ Reader

Genre▹ Hogwarts | Dragon Hybrid | Fantasy | Fluff | Angst |

Words▹7.0 K

Warning▹ rated mature; Depictions of traumatic events, blood, witchcraft inaccuracies, explicit language and explicit themes.

Summary▹Jungkook, a Gryffindor with a soft spot for Beast, Beings, and Sprits, is a Magizoologist that works for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in the Beasts Division. However, the ignorant image he built up as a child about the department began to ware after years of working in the department; he hated the strict laws that restricted him from truly helping out all beast. Especially, because he’s half giant, and he’s known how the law wasn’t always in creatures favors. In secret, he created a group called C.7.A (Clause 7 Army), to save Beast, Beings, and Sprits who couldn’t be protected under the department. But what happens one night when Clause 7 discovers something with opal eyes?

A/N: Lightly edited, so take it with a grain of salt. Thank you for reading!

Masterlist

Previous | Chapter 2 | Next 

His fast feet treading on the uneven trail caused his shoulders to bounce and his black trench to flow around him. Out of Hagrid's hut, white smoke was billowing out of the chimney. He'd have to stop by after he checked up on you. He bounded through the small garden path avoiding the large pumpkins, following a small trail that eventually gave way to unpaved forestry.

Not even a few seconds later a group of boys ran past him screaming, "We're going to be in so much trouble!" Jungkook watched dumbstruck as they scrambled up the hill back towards the castle like roaches. Jungkook chuckled under his breath then picked up the pace again. He remembered when he was a kid, third year, and he would go out with a few of the guys and trail in the forbidden forest. He remembered the horror he had felt deep in his bones, the same words he once screamed to Jimin and Taehyung, but he kept coming back to the forest for some reason that didn't fit in logic. Over time he learned of the species that lived in the forest, and with morbid curiosity to see them in person he'd often go into the forest on his own. This place became like a second home to him.

He pushed through the familiar forestry, walked minutes before he climbed over tall roots like a ladder. At the top, he called out, "Opal!" He jumped down from the tall root before coming into the clearing with your cage, hidden amongst the forest. He lowered the hood of his cloak, lifting his head in eager, "Opal! I'm back—."

The wind ceased around him as his cloak came to an embrace over him, encasing him in his dark cloak. Your cage was toppled over, bent, and—the gate was open. Most importantly, you were missing. A foot stuttered kicking up dust as he moved towards the destruction, then another, then another. He sprinted forth inspecting the cage as he looked around, "Opal! Opal! Opal come out!" Horror filled his gut when no sound responded to his call, it was eerily quiet. The scratch marks on the floor and the ripped grass told him something had terribly gone wrong.

Stumbling as he followed the scratches, pulled patches of grass and disrupted dirt he followed wherever it led to. He began running when there was still no sign of you. He knew his feet weren't fast, but you couldn't have gotten that far. He was sure you were scared and that made his feet lunge longer. He hopped over roots and kicked up soil as he booked it. He could only assume, but he kept moving through the greenery. Another clearing was littered with broken trees, but he no longer followed disruption in the surface a thick trail of blue blood marked your journey. He stopped running, chest heaving with exhaustion as he looked at it closer, the deep blue color could only belong to a dragon. It was yours. He picked up the pace, uncaring of his burning lungs, "OPAL!"

Just when he felt that you were too far gone, or at worst, gone beyond reach, the blood spillage grew dense and thick. In a clearing, you laid on your side in a clearing, unmoving. He didn't stop until he was next to you, "OPAL!"

You faintly heard heavy footsteps coming; your vision was blurry and you couldn't even make a sound.

Not until he saw the dramatic rise of your chest trying to take in a lot of air he was sure you were alive. He dropped to his knees next to you, ripping off his cloak to use it to tend to the major wound, "Opal! Oh my god, what happened?" A million thoughts were racing through his mind. He was at a lost. Hagrid had only given him basic care for you when you came in with your wounds. Dragons were such a unique beast, and he knew close to nothing of the specialty.

As he was pressing his cloak over the bleeding cuts, the bleeding wasn't stopping. He knew before long you were going to die. "Opal, stay with me okay? Don't sleep on me." In desperation he pushed down harder over the wound causing you to whine, "I'm sorry, stay with me girl. Stay with me!" He adjusted his cloak for a dry spot but he palmed over a hard thing. He reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a dense black vial. He had been experimenting at home, attempting to create a new potion that could heal, rebuild cells, that isn't as painful as skelegro but can be as delicate as repairing paper cuts. He looked back and forth, it was still just an experiment, but at this point, he wasn't sure you were going to make it.

He brought the vile to your lips and past your teeth. He tilted your head pouring the liquid and forced you to swallow. "Drink, it'll heal you." He kept massaging your throat encouragingly. "It's going to be okay." He pets your neck as he felt you swallow under his hand. He kept petting you trying to relax you, but more so for himself.

The potion took cause quickly, he pulled away from his cloak and watched as the bleeding stopped immediately. Your breathing normalized, evening out until you fell asleep. He sat there on his knees not knowing what to do. His hands were trembling the delayed adrenaline registering. How was he supposed to get back now? Now that he thinks about it, those kids, were they the ones who did this to you? What had they done?

Furry clogs up his throat as he suppressed a growl until he heard a pop behind him. He swung around, wand ready, but immediately lowered it recognizing who it was. Hagrid stood right next to a righteous woman with his lowered head.

"Minister Weasley, I-I…," words caught in Jungkook's throat as he felt his mouth go dry. He knew there was no way of explaining himself out of this. He was going to lose everything…and you.

Hermione Weasley, the Minister, craned her head to look around Jungkook. "Mr. Jeon, I see you have a bit of a problem on your hands."

He didn't dare respond as Hermonie rounded him when he didn't answer her. She crouched down and pet your forehead ever so gently. She hummed quietly before she stood back up, "How long did you intend on keeping this a secret Mr. Jeon?"

Hagrid spoke up, "Hermione, I was gonna take it to the sanctuary. It's not Jungkook's fault, he was just taking care of her for me."

Hermione turned towards Hagrid abruptly, "You're going to take her to the sanctuary?"

Hagrid looked confused, "Yes, they take good care of their dragon—."

Hermione interrupted, "You shouldn't take her there."

Jungkook spoke up as his heart collapsed, "Minister Weasley, please, that's the best place for her. Minster Weasley, please, please don't harm her."

Hermione chuckled a bit, "Hagrid, you mean to tell me you didn't recognize it? You've really lost your touch." She laughed lightly turning to Jungkook directly, "She's not who you think she is Mr. Jeon."

Jungkook's eyebrow furrowed. Hermione's eyes twinkled, "She's not really a dragon Mr. Jeon, she's an Animagus Mr. Jeon ."

Jungkook's jaw dropped, "What!"

Hermione crouched down next to him near your head, "Excuse me, Mr. Jeon." Jungkook reluctantly stepped out of the way standing next to Hagrid as she crouched over you. Being an Animagus herself she was easily able to identify you like intuition. She woke you from your stupor with a simple spell. Your eyes widen like a blooming flower as you slowly come to. You tried raising yourself, thrashing a bit, but she placed a calm hand at the back of your jaw shushing you. Immediately you calmed as if that notion was magic. "Hello, I'm Hermione Weasley, the Minister of Magic, I'm here to help you. Can you understand me?"

You wanted to nod but you were immobile, drunk on the potion and blood loss. You slowly blinked at her instead in confirmation.

"I'm sorry for what you've been through. I know it must've been very hard on you. But it's okay now. Would you like to turn back?"

You looked over to Jungkook, he could see the uncertainty in your eyes. After the weeks he had spent with you, he was sure you were a dragon. The behavior you had were often questionable, but each beast is their own. He had encountered Animagus before, many even, he was sure he could have pointed it out. Doubt clouded his mind, "Minister…I don't think Opal's an Animagus."

"Your name is Opal?" You slowly blinked at her. "Very well then Opal, let's begin."

Jungkook stepped up to your head stroking the side of your face. He was in disbelief, but he trusted the Minister. "It's going to be okay. I'm right here. No one is going to hurt you."

You keep your eyes on him as he stood up and turned away. Your eyes whipped around, couldn't he stay next to you.

He smiled sweetly to you, "Hey, I told you it's going to be okay. Close your eyes, it'll be over soon."

You stared at him for a moment before you followed along and closed your eyes in acceptance. You had nearly forgotten. You had nearly forgotten, but you didn't want this anymore. You wanted to be human again.

She politely asked the men to turn around. She shushed you once again when you whined, then raised her wand and cast a silent spell. The intense light from her wand struck you. The forest was silent then your long back coiled off the ground as your bones creak and your scales receded. You hissed but your mouth remained mostly open as an intense pain came over you in a hot wave.

Jungkook resisted the whole time, hearing the sound of cracks, the pained hissed, the small breathy noises he knew of yours now. His fist was nearly white as he held himself still.

With a brighter flash, your body shrunk and expanded filling out into a human shape. With a bit of magic lingering in the air, spangles filtering down like snow, your human form was limp and naked on the floor as your chest heaved from the exertion. You had one last glimpse at Hermione before you couldn't take it and passed out. Hermione quickly covered your being in a cloak, "Jeon, can you carry her to Pomfrey's?"

He turned around and held in his shock. You, a human, you were truly an Animagus. Your facial features were soft with slumber. The shaved horns still remained on your head and splotches like birthmarks on your arms were the same spots where your scales were pulled. He pulled the cloak tighter around you and lifted you up bridal style. He tucked your head into his neck and held you tightly.

Hermione grabbed onto Jungkook and Hagrid, "Mr. Jeon?"

Jungkook looked over to the Minister, "Yes?"

A smirk formed on her face, "Don't think you're getting away with this."

His eyebrow raised as his eyes widened like a child and in the next minute, she teleported all of them into the castle's infirmary.

He held you tightly as they all manifested. Madam Pomfrey zoomed by directing him to a bed with no questions, it was as if she already knew all the answers. As he stepped away from the bed your bedside was swarmed with Healers pushing him out of the way. 

Hermione put a hand on his shoulder, "She'll be fine, things will take a bit. Come with me."

He stumbled as he righted himself only to smack his head on the overhanging light. Grunting and rubbing his head to ease the pain he looked around. Hermoine rounded about him going to sit at her simple desk. His eyes widened as the big window behind him displayed they were on the highest floor of the ministry and below he could see the countless lights coming to form other offices. The magnificent architecture looking even more gothic from the vantage point. A vast library surrounded all the walls, some books held by some spell to the ceiling in their own makeshift library.

"Mr. Jeon, please, sit." He kept his gangly features close to him afraid to damage anything. He found a seat in front of her desk. As he sat his knees folded up to his chest, obviously not meant for giants, however, he dared not to protest. He wiped his clammy hands on his pants, "Minister Weasley, I can explain. I didn't mean—."

She raised her hand, a faint smile creeping up on her lips, "You remind me so much of myself when I was younger." His eyebrow raised as he heard her words. "The limitation of your job didn't feel like you were doing enough, so you decided you had to do something."

His mouth felt dry.

"Mr. Jeon, I'm sure you're aware of what you've done is in fact illegal. Storming off with your friends and getting involved in different things that are out of the spectrum of your department."

He held his head down in shame, yet on the inside, he knew he had done right. He lifted his head up, "You've overstepped your boundaries. However, I have a proposition for you and your friends."

He whipped his head up. "Over the past few years, we've had a rise in crime of trafficked illegal goods. A lot of them are rare beasts, like your dragon. A division of Aurors have been trying to track the source of it all, but the leads have often come up as dead ends. It seems that you and your friends have found the gaps that we haven't noticed. I want you and your friends to investigate. I want you to figure out where it's coming from and who."

Jungkook's jaw dropped and unexpected chill passing over him, she knew he had a team. "I want you to bring them to me."

"If you don't want to take my offer, your friends and you are going to have to quit and quietly leave. She, the Animagus, will be taken by the ministry"

She knew about the others too.

He swallowed, "I'll do it but under one condition."

She raised a brow.

"If I can watch over her and protect her until this whole thing is over. I think they'll be after her and come for her. We don't know the source so it would be safest if she stayed with me."

A small smile bloomed on the Minister's face. "I'll comply."

"Thank you, Minister."

The Minister allowed him to use her fireplace to get back to Hogwarts. He appeared in the Gryffindor's common room. Luckily no one had been in there. He booked it out of the tower and ran his way towards the hospital. Healers roamed about the ward going from patient to patient. He stepped up to a healer reading a chart, "Excuse me, "he pulled out his badge showing her who he was, "where is the girl with the horns?"

Her eyes lit up as she saw his badge, "Last bed Sir on the right."

The curtain was pulled as he approached the last bed with a Healer removing their mask and setting down their surgical wand.

Jungkook stood still, eyes hopeful, "Is she alright?" The Healer nodded and Jungkook let out a sigh of relief, "Is it safe to go in?"

The Healer pulled the curtain and allowed him to pass. A nurse was finishing wrapping up your limp arm as she slowly lowered it to the bed. The monitor was beeping consistently, but your heart rate was low. Your hair still had leaves and twigs in it. He pulled up a stool and sat by your bed, gently he began fishing the pieces out of your messy hair. "Hey, Opal." He felt the need to greet you, still talk to you as he would normally. Your chest was slowly rising and falling sound asleep. It was all still so weird to him. He couldn't believe that the dragon he had taken care, the one he saw in a cage, the one in that awful place…was a human. Where did you come from? Who are you? Did you have a family? He had so many questions, but he knew he was going to have to be patient. He found himself staring at the bandage that wrapped your arm and trailed down to your bruised hand. He heavily sighed and kept picking out the things in your hair, "I'm going to protect you. I promise."

As soon as Jungkook got off of work he'd be at your bedside until the next workday. He practically lived in the hospital when he wasn't working. He had repeated this cycle every day for weeks, his friends at some point had to ask him if he was okay. After a heavy day and being so exhausted he asked Jimin to sit in for him one night, but it didn't last long he was worried you'd wake up and he wouldn't be there.

Jimin shook his head in disbelief, "Who would've thought the dragon was a human. How is that even possible?"

Jungkook shrugged, arranging the blanket around your shoulders, "I don't know either, it should've been so obvious. I mean I've worked with creatures for years, and we've been working the division for years and seen Animagus before, but…how come we missed her?"

"You think…maybe…she's a muggle or a squibb? That's probably why we couldn't sense it in her because there's no magic in her."

Jungkook rested back in his seat and watched the soft rise and fall of your chest. It made sense. He hadn't sensed magic in you. That'd explain why you couldn't transform back, but...how could you become an Animagus in the first place if you weren't magic born? You had to be of magic.

"Kook?"

"Hmm?"

Jimin asked, "How come you stay at her bedside? Madam Pomfrey would send for you when she wakes."

There was a weight in his chest, one that felt lighter when near you. "She's been alone for so long and when she wakes up I don't want her to think she's alone. She should never be alone again."

Jimin's eyes turned crescent. The soft lamp on the bedside illuminated Jungkook's face as he concentrated on you. Jimin could practically hear the rest of the unspoken monologue going on in his mind. Jimin lightly punched Jungkook's shoulder, feeling soft, "Jungkook, go to sleep. If anything happens I'll wake you."

Jungkook heavily sighed and thanked Jimin, he really wanted to rest. As a compromise, Jungkook slept in an empty bed next to you while Jimin kept watching. When Jimin was sure Jungkook was asleep he began to whisper to you. "Hey, Opal, it's nice to meet you, even though we meet a while ago. Jungkook's a nice guy, he's soft for—beings—like you. He knows what you feel like all too well." He felt a bit silly talking to you, he wasn't sure you could hear him, but he continued anyway. "You won't be alone anymore Opal. Jungkook and the rest of the team, we promise that. I know were a bit of a bunch, but we'll protect you."

From behind him, the monitor beeped a bit louder, Jimin sat up straight and watched the monitor behind him. Your heart rate jump for a second before it leveled out again. He laughed to himself, maybe you did hear him after all?

The hospital was always busy, but your bedside was arguably busier. After Jimin the other members trickled in, and at some point, all seven of them were in the hospital at a single time. The number of members present would always change throughout the day, but you were never without someone. Seven staggered chairs were posted around your bed with a few chins resting of the back of respective chairs. Everyone was fighting off exhaustion, each of them had jobs and personal commitments, but they still showed up.

Jungkook stood up and dragged the curtain enclosing everyone in. He lifted his wand and cast a muting spell on the curtain, ensuring the conversation would only be between them. Over the silence and the dull murmurs around Jungkook vomited in a single breath, "The Minister knows about C.7.A, and I think she knew about it for a while."

Almost in unison, the whole group sounded off, "What! How?"

Jungkook relayed the whole story to them, the major parts at least. Their shoulders drooped, Taehyung pouted, "Does that mean we can't do it anymore? Is it all over?"

Jungkook shook his head, "No, No, it—C.7.A—still exist but…under one condition." He looked at you instead of them, "We have to capture the people that have been doing this."

Yoongi grunted, "That sounds like a lot of work."

Jungkook continued, "If we figure out who's behind the trafficking, then all the stuff we've been doing won't get us fired. We'll get to keep our jobs…well maybe not."

Namjoon scrunched his face, "Maybe not! Jungkook, what do you mean?"

Hoseok ran a hand through his hair, "I can't risk any more than I have already. I need my job."

Jimin lifted his chin off the back of his chair, "Wait guys…Kook, even if we did take this on, I mean, I don't even know where to start? I really doubt that the lab is still there anymore. All the animals have been relocated and we can't track their origination."

The quiet murmurs around the curtain filled the silence.

"We should try," Jungkook sighed, "…did I mention…if we solve it the Minister will make C.7.A into a division?"

Their jaws dropped. Nearly in unison, "What!"

Jungkook elaborated, "If we capture them then it'll become its own division. We still get to work in our own departments, but it becomes kind of its own exclusive department."

There was no movement. There was a static look over everyone's face. Jungkook's leg begins bouncing.

Yoongi tipped his chair back rocking back and forth as he thought. It only took a second before he slightly shrugged, "Let's do it. I don't see how we can lose. We can just keep doing what we normally do, then it can be done."

The rest of the group was quiet before Hoseok scoffed, "Yeah, except my job."

Yoongi smirked looking over his shoulder back to Hoseok, "Well, either way, it'll be a good story later."

With a heavy sigh around the room, everyone agreed. They were all in.

Jungkook breathed an air of relief, eyes filling with happiness as he watched the people around him smiling and shoving each other teasingly.

It was all or nothing now.

Jungkook's eyes were falling, his head bobbing as he fought off the urge to nap. His permanent residency was the chair next to your bed. He was sure in another week he'd start paying a month of rent for the spot. The other six guys were loitering around; Jimin had begun to pester the interns for attention; Taehyung and Jin were wrapped in a game; Namjoon's face was covered by a book and the few others were napping. Slowly Jungkook had begun lowering his head to the chair backing succumbing to the urge to nap.

The floating monitor beating at a steady rate was lulling him deeper in its white noise effect. The slow beat blipped just a bit faster, and one step faster, then stronger. The sound was pitchy like an alarm clock. Jungkook's head bobbed upright turning to the monitor watching the readings. In a daze he blinked over to you, you were still sound asleep. The longer he stared he realized your chest was rising and falling taking in deeper breaths. Your finger twitched, then your hand was in a tight fist.

Jungkook scooted closer to you taking your hand gently coaxing it to relax. "Opal! Can you hear me?"

The rest of the group immediately woke up surrounding your bed. Your eyelids twitched as your eyes were moving back and forth under the lids. Slowly with a squint, you peeled your eyes open. Jungkook noticed your eyes were still opal and pupil-less, exactly like pearls. They stared at the ceiling hollow until you blinked and hazily looked around the room. Coming to your heart rate shot up setting the monitor off as you shot upright with a hiss of pain escaping as you let go of Jungkook and clutched your side. "Whoa, calm down, you're okay!"

Your head lifted as you looked around the room noting each face staring at you. You heaved as you felt claustrophobic, naturally wanting to hiss but your breathing wouldn't allow you. You turned to your side when a hand settled on your hand over your side and on your shoulder to stabilize you.

"Hey, Opal, it's okay. It's me, remember me?"

Your eyes settled on the extremely tall man, his big, brown eyes were pleading with you. You squinted urging your mind to remember him. It clicked when he called your name…his name was Jungkook. You nodded tiredly. He laughed with a lasting smile, "Hi, welcome back." With the hand placed on your shoulder, he pushed you back down. "Lay down and breathe a minute, let me get the doctor."

As he was about to get up, you grabbed his wrist. He turned around and sat back down, "What's wrong? Everything okay?"

You tried speaking but nothing came out, your lips moved but no sound came out, just air. You hesitantly pulled your hand back and held it in the air for a moment. With a bit of courage, you brought it to your throat and felt over the lumpy scar that vertically went down from your chin to your collarbones. It came rushing back to you, the night when it happened, how you were ripped of your speech, quite literally. You brought your legs up to your chest and buried your face in your knees. You needed to feel centered, you couldn't cry.  

Jungkook looked to the others for some sense of what to do, but they looked equally lost. The moment was interrupted as Namjoon came back into the room with a Healer.

You looked up to Jungkook in horror scooting as far back as you could on your bed. "Hey, hey, it's okay. This person won't hurt you. They're here to help you." You remained in your place, untrustworthy of the Healer.

He looked between the Healer and you. He remembers the place he had found you, of course, anyone that looked medical must have been terrifying to you. He stepped towards you cautiously, "I'll stay next to you the whole time to make sure nothing bad happens, okay?"

Your body began to relax as you nodded. The Healer took cue of the situation cautiously approached you. He brought out a metal wand and pointed it to your chest. You nearly stumbled out of the bed into Jungkook's lap. Your face expressed a silent scream. Jungkook reached out and grabbed your hand, "He's just going to listen to your lungs, it won't hurt. It won't hurt."

You held onto his hand for dear life.

The whole time during your treatment you wouldn't let go of his hand. All the stress had caused your drowsiness to kick in and after the check-up you laid back down, hand still holding his. The guys had all giggled at him, stifling their laugh. It was odd seeing Jungkook, a half-giant, knees to chest in a normal height's chair holding onto your small, delicate hand so preciously.

The Healer had pulled him aside after your check-up. He knew the man had to be professional, but the quiver behind his eyes told him he was struggling to hold back anguish. "Mr. Jeon, we noticed a lot was wrong with Opal, but she's recovered well and she should be completely fine in no time." The doctor looked at the charts in his hands once more, "Although, her body will have scars and But, her vocal cords are irreparable. It seems that there was some sort of injury where the damage is done to the tissue. No magic could repair it either. I'm sorry."

His face fell. He looked over his shoulder watching your face light up as Jimin showed you a magic trick. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, "Thank you, Healer. I appreciate it."

"Mr. Jeon?" The Healer tugged his attention back to him.

"Yes?"

A smile bloomed on the Healer's face. "Well…there is something you could do to help her."

He raised his brows as the Healers smile spread ear to ear.

Your knees clicked as you swung your legs over the bed. The cold air hit your legs of what your hospital gown didn't cover. Your legs had yellow bruises scattered about along with discolored portions that must've been where your scales used to have been. Jungkook was standing in front of you supporting you by holding onto your elbows as he stood you up. "Easy, easy now."

You hadn't truly realized how tall he was, as your forehead just reached the bottom of his sternum. You looked up at his tilting your head back finding him looking down at you with his eyes expectantly waiting for you. You looked away from him, finding his gaze to concentrated. The way his messy brown hair hung around his face made his eyes all the more daunting. "I'm going to go slow, okay?"

Your knees felt heavy, ankles wobbly like they'd fall out of their socket in the first step. You took a deep breathe after you stood for a moment truly feeling how it felt to stand upright. You felt comfortable and secure in his arms, his delicate scent easing you as well. "Ready?" You nodded wanting to walk as the anticipation was building. His right leg took a step back as you raised yours to match with your left.

One step. Two steps. Two and a half before you stumbled but Jungkook was there to catch you. You heaved into his chest. He righted you, his face too close to yours.

"Let's go again."

You had steadily been recovering. After a few days of repetition, you were able to waddle over to him without wincing and falling. He couldn't express how proud he felt.

He sat by your bedside and fished through his messenger bag. He pulled out a brown bullet journal, one he had bought a while ago but never used. He placed it on your lap. You looked up at him inquisitively.

"I know you understand me, Opal." You nodded at him, of course, you understood him. "But can you write?"

You nodded, all be it, you couldn't remember the last time you had written.

"Opal…would you write your name for me? Tell me your real name."

You nodded flipping open the journal and taking a pen. You were excited, but you stared at the blank page, no lines, just an empty canvas. The longer you stared the excitement wore off. You stared at the page until the canvas became a blur. You wanted to tell him your name, but you couldn't remember it. You thought of all the names you had heard over time being here, but none of them felt right on your tongue. None of them felt like yours. You held the pen between your fingers, the weight feeling awkward. The callus that once had been there wasn't there any longer. You began with the first letter until the last pulling the pen away.

You handed over the notebook to Jungkook. He took it from you looking at the cover page then opened it up. He read it out loud, "Opal."

"Opal…I asked for your real name." He slowed out, "Do you…did you not have one?"

You shook your head taking back the notebook and scribbling down a few more words then handing it back. "You can't remember?"

You took the notebook back, placing your pen in the binding and closing the book. You didn't want to discuss things yet. You remember things, things while you were a dragon. You turned away from Jungkook, you didn't want to look at his face. You didn't want to know if he pitted you, much less be searched by his doe eyes.

"You don't have to tell me. Anything for that matter. I just want you to choose who you are, but if you like being called Opal, then I—everyone—will call you Opal."

You whipped your head back around. You stared at his sincere eyes, nothing pitiful lingered in his eyes but his normal gaze. You opened up your notebook again and scribbled a connective note, never lifting your pen.

You passed the notebook opened back to him.

He lifted the notebook to cover his face, the smile blooming behind was almost too comical. "Don't thank me, it is only right."

He lowered the notebook watching a blush overcome you.

Your feet moved, then your hips swayed, then your arms swayed in an anti-rhythm. You were walking. Walking!

A Healer had told you that you were being discharged, but the words didn't feel real. Even when Jungkook, who came in with the Healer, had repeated the words to you.

You could leave the hospital.

Jungkook told you that the Ministry had assigned him to protect you. Until he was sure you were safe you would be staying with him. It was still early in the morning before the students or other patients had begun walking around for the day. The hospital gown had been replaced with fresh clothing that Jungkook had gotten you. He had handed you a variety of things. You slipped on shoes he had given you, but the feeling was so odd. You preferred being barefoot, but he warned you, seeing the dissatisfaction on your face that it was dangerous being barefoot. He slipped a hat over your head and then put on sunglasses for you, "The world may not be ready for your crown or your jewels, so we'll protect them from your royalty."

You had taken many trips outside of your small bed space, but this time was going to be the last time. Your hands felt fidgety. When he noticed you picking at your nails he held out his hand and jokingly, "My lady your train awaits." You smiled and took his hand graciously, playing it up.

Subconsciously you stuck close to him, you were afraid that anyone walking by would take your hand and whisk you away.  He didn't mind, at some point, the weight of your hand on his arm or in his hand had become normalcy. He took you to the train station at Hogsmeade, as you entered the Hogwarts Express he had duck down until you both reached an empty cabin. He would've teleported, but your condition was still too weak for that much magic. During the train ride, you stuck to the window amazed by the foliage and landscape. You couldn't believe that so much green existed.

A few hours had passed, with a few naps in between and snacks Jungkook advised you, "Just a few more minutes."

When you arrived at the platform, he warned you that it would be busy when we came into muggle territory. You pulled out your notebook and quickly scribbled, "What's a muggle?"

Casually he answered, "Someone born without magic."

You wanted him to elaborate, but as you approached a brick wall he took your notebook and tucked it into his bag. "Okay, from here on out we'll be moving forward. Stay close." He tugged you and you were approaching a wall. You resisted a bit, expecting him to deviate but he kept walking towards the wall. You looked at him in concern, but he kept walking towards the wall. He kept going and the wall warped around him and eventually yourself. You closed your eyes, a weird cooling sensation encompassed you, but when you opened them up you were on the other side.  People zoomed by you in hoards, it was a sea of bobbing heads and bodies.

"Don't let go of me…ever." You squeezed his hand in assurance. You allowed him to lead you through the crowd. The amount of people was overwhelming your breathing was getting shorter as people nearly grazed you and when they did you flinched. You closed your eyes and allowed him to guide you. When the noise settled down you opened your eyes, blinking harshly despite wearing sunglasses.  Tall buildings of all varieties surrounded you, cars honking, and sirens filled your ears. The anxiety dies out, this feeling feels…familiar. The sounds, the smell in the air, but you couldn't fathom why. Your body felt malleable as you felt a sway in your step, you wanted to slow and take it in. You could hear the sound of your breathing in your ear, the sirens looped like a wonky turntable.

Why did this feel familiar?

"Opal? Opal, come on?" As Jungkook called to you the sound of everything picked up and returned to normal. He smiled at you and pulled you along, "Just about there."

He walked you through the city before he turned street after street before coming into a neighborhood where it was quieter. Everyone's small lawn was evenly cut, green trees were planted along on the sidewalk and birds chirped in a sweet melody. The varying townhomes were connected but separated by color. Each home had clean stairs leading up to the front door. He took the stairs up to a home leading to a white brick townhome with a bright red door, gold numbering. He looked around for any observing eyes, then took out his wand from his cloak and cheekily looked over to you. "Don't be surprised when I open the door."

You attempted a snicker but only your nose huffed air. You rolled your eyes bidding with a hand for him to let you in.

"Okay, okay, don't be too impressed okay." You lightly tapped him on the arm. He bipity-boppity-booed his wand around in an exaggerated fashion then tapped the handle with a gentle tap. Nothing happened. The same building was there. No windows caved in, you slowly turned to look at him.

"It's what's on the inside that counts." He reached for the door and turned the knob pushing it open. A waft of lavender overcame you like a spell. You never had an aspiration of a home, you couldn't even remember yours, but the warmth that was coming from within from the doorstep was something you'd like to think was called…home.

"Come in please." Jungkook stepped inside taking his shoes off at the front door then trailing inside. You closed the door behind you then followed him in slow steps. The ceilings were high, at least twenty feet, but it was possibly higher. Golden light poured in from stacked windows, four in total, opened up to the living room. The ceiling was planked with wood, beams strung across the ceiling and plants of all varieties hung from the beams hanging down like chandeliers. A hammock was tucked away amongst the vegetation  All the furniture was dark, contemporary in its design, but splashes of color here and there kept the eye searching about. Jungkook unclipped his cloak, handing you your notebook, then holding it up in the air, a vagrant vine extended itself and clutched around the cape and took it.

You looked away from the curious vines, the shock of magic still impressive. "I'll show you the rest of the house in a minute, but let's eat breakfast first." The counters were high, the cabinets much higher. The house was definitely designed for the giant. Boxes filtered out of the cabinets, a pan and a spatula glided over to the stove. "Pancakes sound good?"

You nodded a million miles per hour. He laughed and hummed while he worked. You found a spot at the table, nearly climbing into the chair before you patiently waited for him. Food was placed in front of you in no time and you were amazed at the fresh fruit and pancakes on the plate. You ate so fast, having missed hot food. Hospital food was good, but nothing could compare to homemade food.

You had exhausted yourself. You were so tense from excitement, stress, stressed you would do something wrong. As you were sitting at the table your head bobbed, your eyes felt heavy.

"Tired?"

Your eyes shot wide open.

He laughed, "It's okay. Relax, it's your home now.  This is your home."

You stared at him blankly.

He wiped the syrup that was on his lips before he tossed the napkin on the table, "Come, let me show you your room."

You nodded getting up from the table.

The words rung in your ears, "This home is your home." A place for your heart to beat steadier and lungs to fill deeper when you sigh in content.

You followed him upstairs and down a hall with many doors. He stopped at a door before pointing across the hall, "The door opposite is my room." He pushed the door open, "And this is your room." You followed him. Your room was bear, something within you felt hollow, but it was still comforting because it's meant that those empty walls, the bare bed, the empty dresser…it was all yours.

Yours to fill.

Yours to have.

You caressed the blanket, the down had weight, a comforting weight. You brought up the blanket to your nose and took a deep breath. Your eyes light up with the fresh scents bathing your senses. This home smelled so delicately and fresh, but used…it smelled like him. You could smell lingering notes of Jungkook.

You searched around and pulled out your notebook scribbling down something. You handed it to Jungkook who read it out loud, "It's nothing…it's nothing like the hospital."

Jungkook snickered under his breath. He knew how much you didn't like it there.

You took it back then wrote more. "It's nothing like the cage either." He said nothing as he passed it back. You wrote once more. "Thank you."

He swallowed and swallowed again, the look on your face, the happiness of holding your comforter and not letting go broke his heart. He set your notebook down shaking his head in affirmation. "I'll let you get settled in."

He turned without another word. His hand held onto the handle and closed it behind him with a click.

Copyright 2019 © by magicalsalamander. All rights reserved.

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